CPI(M) raises privilege motion issue against PM on N-deal

New Delhi, Oct 20 (UNI) The Communist Party of India (Marxists) today sought an immediate discussion on the privilege notice served by CPI(M) members against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for not taking the Lok Sabha into confidence before signing the Indo-US Nuclear Deal.

Raising the issue, CPI(M) leader Basudeb Acharia drew the attention of the Chair to the statement of the Prime Minister in the House on July 22 in which he had assured the members that he would come before the House before operationalising the nuclear pact.

The deal had, however, been signed without taking the House in confidence which amounted to the breach of Privilege, he pointed out.

As more CPI(M) members wanted to speak on the issue, the Chair said it had already received their notice of privilege which is under active consideration. Therefore, the members could express their views whenever a discussion was held on the matter, he ruled.

UNI AN/KAS RL AS1814