Number games turn awry; Cong all set to hurt 'missing' MPs

New Delhi, Dec 28: With the historic Lokpal Bill passed in the Lok Sabha after an intense debate session, the UPA was not cheerful since granting of a Constitutional status to the Bill was not passed. The UPA failed to garner support for the same due to the lack of a two thirds majority. With many parties, keeping off the voting, the Congress has decided to go after them by issuing show-cause notices to the missing MPs.

The walkout by MPs from BSP and SP hurt the Congress more, as their votes would have made all the difference to the UPA's intention of a constitutional status to the Lokpal Bill. While the Constitutional amendment Bill was put to vote, around 25 MPs were missing from the floor of the House. According to sources, as many as 5 MPs of the 16 missing are from the Trinamool Congress. They will be slapped with a show-cause notice for their action.

With the result in the Lok Sabha, the Congress is concerned over the fate of the Bill in the Rajya Sabha. The matter of concern being that the Congress does not enjoy a majority on its own or together with allies could emerge as a major stumbling block in the Rajya Sabha.

The Opposition BJP, however tore on the UPA's failure to ensure a constitutional status to the Lokpal, terming it an indicator of the people's mandate. Anant Kumar, BJP leader commented, "Congress should have had 273. It could not even get support from outside. All non congress parties got together. Forget 273, they could not get majority and could not pass Constitution Amendment Bill."

Another senior BJP leader, Yashwant Sinha added, "This Govt should just step down. PM should simply resign as he doesn't deserve it."

It would now be interesting to find out what floor strategy the UPA will employ when the Lokpal Bill comes up for discussion and debate in the Rajya Sabha.

OneIndia News