BJP criticises PM's absence in Lok Sabha

New Delhi, Nov 21 (UNI) BJP Deputy leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra pointed to the absence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour today, saying he has been out of the country during half of the current session.

''The Prime Minister is absent when questions related to his ministries are listed to be taken up.... During the 14-day session, seven days he is going out,'' Mr Malhotra said during Question Hour.

Requesting Mr Malhotra not to make an issue of it, Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said the Prime Minister had informed him that he would be going abroad and ''I have given him permission''.

''He is always present in the House on Wednesdays (when questions related to his ministries are taken up),'' Mr Chatterjee said.

UNI