Speaker Somnath Chatterjee keeps suspense alive in LS

New Delhi, July 21 (UNI) Amid speculation about his resignation, Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee today conducted the Lok Sabha in his typical fashion, often enjoining upon the members to maintain the decorum of the House and its dignity while participating in the debate on the confidence motion moved by the UPA government.

''Before we start this matter, I do not have to impress upon all the honourable Members as you all are fully aware of the mportance of this debate. The whole country is looking at it,'' he observed.

While assuring the members that they would be given fullest opportunity to put forth their views, he also urged them to ''please have the discussion in a manner which adds to the dignity of Parliament''.

Seeking cooperation of all the members, the Speaker said there could be some ''toka-taki'' during the debate but the ''House should run in as much a dignified manner for the purpose for which it has been convened.'' Mr Chatterjee kept the members on both sides and the press galleries guessing as to whether he would oblige his party and resign or defy it.

UNI KAS PK AS1946