CPI criticises BJP for ''shielding ''PM on the Nuclear deal

New Delhi, Sep 11 (UNI) The Communist Party of India (CPI) today denounced ''the nefarious game of BJP'' for dismantling the Parliamentary system, which may ultimately pave the way for ''totalitarianism.'' Addressing reporters here , CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta questioned the Government's decision of adjourning the Lok Sabha when the entire Parliament was keen on having a debate on the Indo-US nuclear deal and the Hyde Act and the subject was listed on the day's business.

He alleged that BJP was shielding Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as they along with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) do not want any discussion on this subject as it would expose that they in fact initiated this deal.

He said in the process, the Government ''surrendered to the blackmail tactics of BJP as it also suits their political agenda.'' Mr Dasgupta said the BJP's intention is to establish '' political fundamentalism.'' The obvious reason for holding up the Parliament was a demand for Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the nuclear deal.

A discussion on the deal would have enabled them to put forward their argument and make it known to the nation.

He said their party condemned the arm-twisting method of the BJP.

" We deplore the action of the Governent to scuttle the Parliament session by four days,''he said.

He said the ''deplorable collusion'' between the Government and the BJP was evidently reflected in the readiness to wind up Parliament session.

During this noisy period the Government silently passed four important bills without any discussion, he added.

This UPA Government has the'' distinction of passing the budget without any discussion and it is a tragedy for our democracy,'' he said.

Crores of rupees of taxpayers' money is being wasted due to the holding up of Parliament. The daily allowance of the Members of Parliament comes to Rs 7,95,000 and the total of the other expenses on daily basis is about Rs 26,000. This is a colossal wastage of the taxpayers' money which has abysmally increased over the years, Mr Dasgupta said.

''There must be a national debate not only on the question of wasteful expenditure but also on Parliamentary delinquency, repeated attempts to disrupt the Parliament through lung power. Erosion of parliamentary system must be stopped by a popular intervention.'' Responding to a question on the party's stand, Mr Dasgupta said ''the cost of election will definitely not be more than what we are going to lose through the Hyde act under this Indo-US nuclear deal.'' " We have virtually come at the end of our path and very soon we will be able to tell the nation about our decision", he said UNI