Manmohan, Pranab have shown disrespect for Parliament: CPI

New Delhi, Nov 14 (UNI) The CPI today came down heavily on the Manmohan Singh government for showing ''utter disrespect'' for Parliament, its failure to contain price rise and disinterest in implementing the recommendations of the Sachar Committee Report among other things.

''While Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has decided to make visits to Singapore and Venezuela, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee will also be abroad during the Winter session of Parliament commencing tomorrow,'' said CPI Floor leader Gurudas Dasgupta at a press conference.

Quoting the first Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru in this regard, Mr Dasgupta said no minister should go abroad while Parliament is in session.

The CPI leader also lambasted the government for making the session ''virtually'' a ten day affair, terming it as ''a mock session of Parliament''.

''My party has talked to many parties on this issue. We will seek constitutional amendment to ensure that Parliament works for at least 100 days,'' he said.

He also expressed displeasure by the Left parties over the government's 'wilfully' not notifying the provisions of the Tribal Rights Act, the total collapse of the PDS, its callousness towards the Arjun Sengupta Committee's recommendations for the upliftment of 370 million unorganised workers and the Women's Reservation Bill among other things.

Mr Dasgupta also took strong exception to acute shortage of water and power in Delhi.

The CPI leader alleged that a particular corporate house was being favoured by the Communication Ministry. ''We would like to know the truth about it,'' he added.

He said his party would also ask the government to come out with a full statement about its attitude on developments in the South Asian countries -- the struggles for restoration of democracy in Pakistan, Myanmar and the recent developments in Bangladesh and Nepal.

UNI