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New govt by April: PM

Vote-on-account likely in early February

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Ajay Singh Hyderabad
Last Updated : Mar 18 2013 | 3:27 PM IST
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee directed Union Finance Minister Jaswant Singh to present a vote-on-account early to clear the way for dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
 
Setting at rest speculation on election dates, Vajpayee said, "I hope that a new government will be in place by April."
 
Responding to the political resolution moved by Singh and adopted by the BJP's national executive, Vajpayee cast aside his usual diffidence to say: "The hour of decision has come. I hereby direct Jaswant Singhji to present a vote-on-account in Parliament at an early date."
 
He also asked Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to make the necessary arrangements for the vote-on-account.
 
Summing up the two-day deliberations, the prime minister's address was a pep talk to the party. "We will go from here with resolute determination and meet next time to congratulate each other on our victory," he said.
 
Though there was no discussion on when Parliament would be convened, party sources said a group of senior BJP leaders, including Singh and Swaraj, favoured the first week of February.
 
After presenting the vote, the Cabinet will recommend dissolution of the Lok Sabha and consult the Election Commission for dates.
 
As in the past, the BJP national executive continued to raise the pitch on the "feel-good factor" and on the lack of an alternative to Vajpayee in its political resolution.
 
Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani, however, made a subtle reference to the Hindutva line by saying, "Our vision of cultural nationalism has gained public support."
 
BJP President Venkaiah Naidu gave an indication of the party's poll-preparedness by saying the party would be able to organise 100-odd rallies across the country before the notification for polls came into force.
 
What next?
  • Preparations begin for vote-on-account
  • Houses fix a date for vote-on-account
  • Government decides on new Chief Election Commissioner
  • Houses meet in first week of February to pass vote-on-account
  • Cabinet meets, recommends dissolution of the Lok Sabha
  • New Chief Election Commissioner is appointed
  • President dissolves 13th Lok Sabha
  • Election Commission meets parties on poll schedule
  • Election Commission announces dates in early March
 
 

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First Published: Jan 13 2004 | 12:00 AM IST

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