'BJP stalling parliament because they are facing scarcity of issues'

Criticising the BJP for stalling Parliament, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni Thursday said the saffron party was resorting to such tricks as they are facing "scarcity of issues".

The principal Opposition party, which is facing "scarcity of issues", will not get public support by indulging in such acts, she said on the sidelines of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2011 here.

Soni claimed there is no unanimity amongst Opposition parties on whether to stall Parliament or let it work. "We want Parliament to function as stalling the House costs huge loss to the exchequer."

The winter session of Parliament started on a stormy note with the Opposition disrupting the proceedings over the issues of price rise, black money and corruption.

Pointing out that the Opposition was running short of issues, the Congress leader said "check the records of Parliament and see how many people from the Opposition were present when the issue of price rise was discussed."

Soni said Congress wants Parliament to run smoothly. "We have stretched our hand and now it is for them to join hands with us for smooth running of Parliament."

She further said it is not only the responsibility of the ruling party but also the Opposition to ensure both Houses conduct their mandated business without disruption.

The I&B Minister was here to inaugurate IFFI, a ten-day festival underway in Goa. In all, 350 films from across the globe will be screened at the festival.