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." |
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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." |
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He also asked Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to make the necessary arrangements for the vote-on-account. |
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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. |
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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. |
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After presenting the vote, the Cabinet will recommend dissolution of the Lok Sabha and consult the Election Commission for dates. |
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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. |
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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." |
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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. |
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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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