Home minister Indrajit Gupta yesterday warned a predominantly Left gathering of United Front MPs to mind their tongue while criticising the government.
If we want to pull the government down then why are we here? What are we here for?, Gupta asked the MPs, dispelling any misconception in their mind as to the instability or discord in the Front.
Speaking immeidately after his CPI-M colleague Somnath Chatterjee had declared that his party could not be a mute spectator and that we have a very historic role to play, Gupta advised MPs to criticise the government in a way so as not to give wrong impression to the media. It was as much a message for the MPs as for the media which was allowed to be present at the first meeting of the Fronts parliamentary group.
He made it clear that despite difficulties the budget will be passed, though some amendments may be needed.
Chatterjee himself made a categorical statement that his party was fully aware that whatever it wanted could not be achieved with this government. If this was possible then it would be a solely CPM government, which it was not. He also clarified that his party did not mean to scuttle or bring the government down when it criticised it. What his party wanted was a little more coordination over the assessment of priorities of the implementation of the common minimum programme.
It was mostly the Left MPs who thronged the meeting. In fact, they were first to arrive and were the only ones to be present at the appointed time. Almost all ministers were present. The only one not visible there was Janata Dal working president Sharad Yadav who resides next to the Front office where the meeting was held.
National Conference leader and J&K Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah was the most ardent supporter of the Prime Minister when he described him as a man of guts. He had the guts to go to Kashmir against all advice to the contrary and open up the coal mining sector for private investment when all other governments kept discussing it for over thirty years.
Prime Minister, you have the guts and let them (Congress) know about it, Abdullah said talking about Congresss rule in the past. When his turn came, a confident looking Prime Minister preferred to talk about performance. I would not claim that I brought heaven on earth but the governemnt should be judged for its performance in the last eight months.
As far as the longivity of the government is concerned, if the one in PMs seat is not worried why should others, he asked.
Prime Minsiter Deve Gowda struck a direct cord with the MPs and wanted to make the meeting a regular feature and interactive. Though the MPs were not asked to speak in yesterdays meeting, Gowda promised they would get ample opportunity to talk in the next meeting next Tuesday or Wednesday.
The meeting left the desired impact on most MPs. A Janata Dal MP gave his impression of the meeting saying there were differences but no discord in the United Front.
There were some, mainly from the Left, who said the government will be judged on the basis of its performance on the price front and not on the basis of what it did in Kashmir or the North-East or on the Centre-state relations front, as claimed by their own leader Indrajit Gupta.
Gupta had asked them not just to criticise the government but also to talk about its performance and achievements. He said that for the first time a truely representative government was in power in which chief ministers of seven to eight states are on the steering committee.
United Front but given the magnitude of poverty and unemployment what is required is dedication, commitment and above all assessment of priorities, of which are the areas to be attended first.
Our clearest decision that UF government must continue. May be necessary to have closer interaction. May have to adjust even change some of our functioning. even taking each-other into confidence. Have no doubt about their sincerety.
Congress they are so divided among themselves they want to score points over each-other, sometimes even over the UF. But the main opposition will come frrom the BJP.l
Gowda stress on performance in the short span of his existence. Over eight months I am not going to claim I brought heaven to earth.
Any decision taken in Cabinet is unanimous decision. About the differencde of opinion by friendly parties no need to mistake they must express their views this is going to imprrove the performance of the govermnet. Criticism is not the monopoly of the BJP.
I am willing to sit the geneal body could even be a rregular meeting once a week. Sincere request for attendence including ministers.
First and foremost concern we must pass the Lok Pal Bill. It was first decided when Chavan was HM every party agreed. day in and day out impression is created we are not taking decisions. senior leaders like Somnath can suggest further improvement and must pass in this ssession it is a long session.
Ministers will be dropped if found tainted: PM
Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda yesterday declared that if any of his ministers are found to be involved in a scam he will be dropped the next day.
Addressing the MPs of the United Front at the Front office here, Gowda claimed that his government was free from scams. Tell me, have we had any scams in the seven months (of the UF governments existence), he said. Search your heart before giving any opinion about the government. Let us sincerely review its performance.
He wanted the Lok Pal bill to be passed in this session at any cost and asked the MPS to come out with their suggestions on the legislation, if they had any.
