Turmoil likely to mar second part of budget session

Turmoil seems to await the Budget session of Parliament resuming tomorrow with the opposition seeking to act unitedly to corner the government on the issue of spiralling prices and demanding resignation of Union minister Shashi Tharoor in the wake of the IPL controversy.

Opposition has drawn up plans to give the Congress-led government a tough time with the BJP-led NDA making it clear that it would coordinate with other parties in bringing a cut motion to force rollback of the hike in prices of petroleum products and fertilisers.

BJP has 116 members while its allies JD(U) has 20, Shiv Sena 11 and Akali Dal four.

The three-week long session is set to begin on a stormy note with NDA demanding suspension of Question Hour in both Houses and seeking  debate on the Dantewada naxal attack that claimed lives of 75 CRPF personnel.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi held a meeting with senior party leaders and Union ministers this evening and is understood to have discussed with them ways and means to brace the opposition onslaught which may put to test the strength of the ruling UPA.

NDA leaders also held parleys with its Working Chairman and BJP leader LK Advani and it decided to bring cut motions on issues related to price rise.

"NDA will also issue three-line whips to its MPs to get the cut motions passed in the Lok Sabha. All cut motions will be related to price rise which affects the common people and national interest," Deputy Leader of BJP in Rajya Sabha, SS Ahluwalia said.

The opposition has also decided to demand action against Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor for his alleged "misuse of office" for a "lady friend" in the Kochi IPL team case.

Thirteen non-NDA and non-UPA parties' grouping which have been brought together by the Left parties and together account for 87 MPs, have also decided to bring a cut motion.

Congress-led UPA has a strength of around 265 members, including some independents and BSP's action has raised its comfort level in the event of a crisis in the 543-member House.

A cut motion puts to test the strength of the government in the Lok Sabha. If the motion is adopted, it amounts to defeat of the government on a money matter.

However, Congress as well as the government appeared unfazed by the opposition moves with party leaders saying that the party and its allies were fully prepared to face any eventuality.