Oppn takes exception to PM’s statement on temple attacks

New Delhi, December 2, 2002.
The Lok Sabha proceedings came virtually to a halt for 20 minutes during zero hour today when the Opposition, led by the Congress, took serious exception to Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s reported statement in Himachal Pradesh yesterday that the previous governments had neglected the defence of the country.

Congress Chief Whip P R Dasmunshi also raised objection to the Prime Minister sharing information such as possible terrorist attacks on more temples outside Parliament even as the Winter session was on.

The Congress leader kept pressing for an explanation from the government even after Deputy Speaker P.M. Sayeed made it clear that he had no powers to ensure it.

Mr Dasmunshi said the Prime Minister should come to the House and give an explanation. Even the Deputy Prime Minister and other ministers were making important statements outside, undermining the authority of Parliament which had the right to have such information in the first place.

Prof V.K. Malhotra (BJP) countered the Congress stand stating that the Prime Minister’s statement was not a policy matter and as such it was not necessary to announce it in Parliament first.

The Congress member pointed out that Mr Vajpayee had also prior information on the attack on Parliament House, but the government did nothing to prevent it.

Mr Somnath Chatterjee (CPM) said the Prime Minister’s statement could not be construed as a campaign speech since, unlike Gujarat, there was no election in Himachal Pradesh.

Mr Dasmunshi said the Congress had fully cooperated with the government on several occasions in the fight against terrorism. The security of the country was not the responsibility of the Prime Minister and his deputy alone.

Earlier, Mr Dasmunshi had raised the matter during question hour as well, stating that Mr Vajpayee’s statement was “motivated with an eye on political gains.”

As soon as the Lok Sabha assembled to take up question hour, Mr Dasmunshi got up and sought clarification on the issue.

The timing and intent of the statement was confusing for the people and the government should come out with more details, he said.

Speaker Manohar Joshi told him to raise the issue during zero hour.