LS to begin debate on nuke deal on Aug 29, 30

New Delhi, Aug 22: The Indo-US nuclear pact will be taken up for debate in the Lok Sabha either on August 29 or 30, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi said here today.

"The exact date for the debate will be decided on the basis of the convenience of Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee," he said, while pointing out that the debate in the Rajya Sabha on the subject would commence after it was completed in the Lower House.

Mr Dasmunsi said the Business Advisory Committee, which met here yesterday, decided not to have simultaneous debate on the nuclear issue in both the houses.

He said Mr Mukherjee was preoccupied with the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe today and tomorrow.

"Therefore, it was decided to take up the issue for debate on August 29 or 30." He said the August 27 sitting of Parliament had been cancelled in the light of a demand to this effect by members from Kerala in view of the Onam festival on that day.

Asked if India's Ambassador to US Ronen Sen will be recalled in the light of the controversy kicked up by his statement condemning MPs as "headless chicken," Mr Dasmunsi said he would convey the feelings of the MPs, which they had expressed in Lok Sabha during the 40-minute long debate on the issue earlier in the day, to Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

"Mr Mukherjee will respond to the issue at the earliest," he said, while pointing out that it was for the Speaker to take appropriate action on the notices of breach of privilege pending before him.

UNI