No abrupt end to budget session: Govt

NEW DELHI: The UPA government on Friday put an end to speculation regarding the adjournment of the budget session of Parliament ahead of schedule. “There is absolutely no truth in such speculations, our business agenda has already been approved till the May 15,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister PR Dasmunshi said, in response to a query raised by BJP’s VK Malhotra in the Lok Sabha.

Malhotra had demanded a clarification from the government saying that political circles were agog with rumors that Parliament may be adjourned on May 8, so that President’s rule may be slapped in UP. The government was quick to deny Malhotra’s insinuations. “We have no such plans, and why should we have, we have important business listed till May 15,” said Dasmunshi.  

The minister contended that it was an established practice that only the next week’s business be announced in the House and not for the entire month. He took a dig at the Opposition saying that Leader of Opposition was already informed and there seems to be a big communication gap between him and his deputy.

Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee also clarified that there was no indication from the government regarding the adjournment of the house. “We proceed on the basis that the House will continue till May 22,” he said, observing: “There is no indication to the contrary so far.”