Cong MPs gear up to play Opposition role

Seeking to wrest the initiative from the Opposition and the Left, the Congress has decided take up issues that these two may raise to corner its government in the winter session of Parliament.

As the NDA plans to take on the government on internal security, some Congress MPs too have given notices for a discussion on the issue.

Similarly, while the Left plans to attack the government on price rise, farm sector crisis and special economic zones, Congress MPs, including the irrepressible AICC General Secretary V Narayansami, have sent notices for discussions on these topics.

The plan to play Opposition is learnt to have been worked out at a party meeting two days ago. The meeting was attended by Congress President Sonia Gandhi, her Political Secretary Ahmad Patel, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunshi.

Gandhi is learnt to have expressed concern about two issues""the rise in the prices of commodities like pulses and edible oil despite the steps taken by the government and the SEZ policy, which is creating discontent among farmers. Congress sources said Gandhi wanted guidelines to settle fears about the SEZ policy.

"We cannot allow the BJP and the Left parties to take credit for raising sensitive issues. Why can't we take credit for the same? Let the government be uncomfortable. We are answerable to the people," a senior leader present at the meeting said.

Justifying the plan, he said, "When Rajivji was the prime minister, we used to grill ministers and he felt happy to see partymen inculcating in his ministers a sense of responsibility towards the people," he added.

Congress MPs would also seek a discussion on the Justice Rajinder Sachar panel report on the backwardness of Muslims.

They are also keen on a debate on the recommendations of the National Commission for Farmers headed by MS Swaminathan. The Left also plans to raise these issues.

Among other issues identified by the Congress is the non-implementation of Central schemes by Opposition-ruled states and the Madhya Pradesh government's decision to allow officials to attend shakhas of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).