After a disgraceful drama, with the disclosure of the bribe offered to the BJP MPs, in the annals of Indian Parliament that disrupted its proceedings several times, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh-led UPA government came out victorious in a nail biting trust vote by a crucial margin of 19 dominating votes. Now it's time for the Congress to fulfill the promise that he made for the votes that he orchestrated in government’s favour from the different section of Legislators.
As against oppositions' 256 votes, the ruling coalition secured 275 votes. It was however the 10 abstentions that created the gap between pro and against of the trust vote- those 10 MPs were either absent or abstained from voting. These abstentions and cross-votings from the opposition camp helped the UPA in crossing the magical mark of 271 to establish a convincing majority in the Lok Sabha.
The outcome of the trust vote was evident for all, but the interpretation was absolutely different. While for the Congress it was a “convincing victory” but for BJP- “a corrupt victory.” The CPM came with a distinct comment terming it a “sad day” for democracy.
Indeed, “Tuesday-July 22, 08” will be remembered as a 'black day' in the annals of Indian Parliamentary Democracy. Whenever confidence motion will be called in future, the 'bribe-for-vote' charge and the 'open exhibition of currency' will be fair enough to remember the people the 'stigma'-the Parliament once passed through.
The ostentatious show of bundles of notes by three lawmakers representing Bharatiya Janata Party waving wads of Rs 1000 in Lok Sabha was never ever seen in Indian democracy. Stringent action should be taken against those behind this shameful act. Whether it was a conspiracy on the part of BJP to disgrace SP and the government or was a fact with substance will be revealed later through investigation.
The country is waiting for the detailed impartial investigation so as to know the dirty face which brought Indian democracy at its lowest ebb in a single day when the world was viewing the proceedings with curiosity to know the fate of Indo-US nuclear deal- the deal which was considerably dependent on the survival of the Congress-led UPA government-in-majority.
Now, the UPA has emerged as an invincible government- hopefully till the next scheduled general elections- the Prime Minister is expected to fulfill its promise that he made to gain support of the opposition leaders, independents and those who voted conditionally for UPA.
Coming few days probably would see reshuffling of the cabinet to comprise legislators who can deliver on the UPA agenda. Some vacancies, say coal ministry will also be filled as a part of the promise that PM made with JMM supremo Shibu Soren.
Freed from the Left's clutches, Prime Minister is also expected to conclude the nuclear deal as soon as possible and to bring economic reforms in insurance, banking and pension funds.
The time-span for UPA government is very short to live upto the common men's expectations as Lok Sabha poll is ahead less than a year and should be well prepared to retaliate-with its development work-the scathing attack that would be orchestrated launched by all oppositions.
|
|
Comments:
