Natwar disallowed from speaking on nuclear deal

New Delhi, Aug 17: Former External Affairs K Natwar Singh's attempt to have his say in the debate on the India-US nuclear deal in the Rajya Sabha came to a nought as the Chair did not permit him, citing procedural rules.

Mr K Rahman Khan, who was in the Chair, had just named BJP member Arun Shourie's turn to speak when Mr Singh, who along with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was present during the short duration discussion on the July 18 deal in the House, rose quickly to his feet demanding that he be allowed to intervene.

The Prime Minister remained impassive as the Chair continued to call out to Mr Shourie. However, an insistent Mr Singh, who was still on his feet, demanded that he be heard saying, ''I was the External Affairs Minister when the deal was announced in Washington and I have the right to speak.'' To this, the Chair said, ''Your party has not allowed it.'' Mr Natwar Singh responded saying, ''I have given a notice and have not received a reply...'' Despite several members from the Opposition benches supporting Mr Natwar Singh's stand, the Chair ruled out any intervention by the latter.

Even former External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh pleaded with the Chair to give Mr Natwar Singh a hearing.

Saying that nothing Mr Natwar Singh would go on record, the Chair said he was going strictly by convention of adhering to the list of speakers given by the political parties.

UNI

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