Singur issue likely in Bengal Assembly

Kolkata, Nov 14 (UNI) The acquisition of agricultural land in Singur for the Tata Motors' small car project is likely to be discussed in the West Bengal Assembly, beginning for a brief session on November 17.

'' If the opposition brings an adjournment motion on the Singur issue, it will be accepted and a discussion will be held, '' Speaker Hashim Abdul Halim today said.

He, however, said the issue would not be allowed to be raised both in adjournment motion and non official discussions.

The Trinamool Congress, spearheading a movement against land acquisition at Singur in Hooghly district, earlier said the party would raise the issue inside the House.

Mr Halim said considering the drastic slump in their strength in the present Assembly, the Opposition would be allotted only 45 per cent of the total time for discussion as against the previous system of equal sharing of time.

'' Since the strength of the Opposition has decreased so much, giving them 50 per cent time would amount injustice to the ruling parties, '' he said.

The Speaker said altogether 12 Bills, including ten for amendment, would be placed in the House during the fortnight-long session, ending November 30. The Amendment Bills would include the Wakf (Amendment Bill), 2005.

However, the Government would not be allowed to place any Bill if notice was not given well in advance, he said.

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