Cong seeks BJP's help for House functioning

Expressing concern over the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) reported threat to "obstruct" proceedings in the winter session of Parliament, the Congress today said it would not allow Parliament to be used as a weapon of intimidation and sought the opposition party's co-operation in smooth functioning of both Houses.

"The Congress notes with concern the posture adopted by certain sections of the Opposition, particularly the remarks made by BJP leaders that they would be offensive, aggressive and assertive in Parliament. It feels that offensive behaviour has no place in parliamentary democracy," party spokesperson Jayanthi Natrajan said.

Accusing the main Opposition party of a tendency to :disrupt" Parliament, she said ever since this Lok Sabha was constituted the BJP-led NDA combination has "consistently refused" to allow Parliament to function or has "even failed" to function as a constructive opposition party.

"We would like to caution them to cooperate in the functioning of Parliament as it is their democratic duty. We will not allow Parliament to be used as an weapon of intimidation," she said.

Recalling that more than 47 hours were lost in the last session and only 48 starred questions out of the total 441 could be answered, she said due to their behaviour they had "lost the support of people" in the Lok Sabha polls and "if they continue to do so, they may even lose their status of main opposition party".

Asked to comment on the UPA's ally, the NCP accusing the Congress of adopting a big brotherly attitude, Natrajan replied in the negative.

"UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the entire Congress party have created this coalition and are aware of coalition dharma and following it in letter and spirit".

Reminded that the NCP was apparently sulking over non-consultation of allies on important issues including appointment of governors, which were mainly going to the Congress bag, she said all such matters could be raised at co-ordination committee meeting.

She, however, brushed aside similar criticism by the Samajwadi Party saying "we cannot hope to win approval of certain section of opposition. The Samajwadi Party is not a coalition partner. It has given a letter to the President extending support to the UPA government."

As far as the Left parties were concerned, she said the UPA government was taking up the matters "issue by issue".

Asked to comment on its ally the DMK playing both defensive and prosecutor's role in the Shankaracharya affairs, Natrajan said all she could say was that the Congress role was consistent.

"All I can say is that the Congress role is consistent from day one. Out stand from day one is the same that it is sub judice involving prosecution, accused and the court," she said.