The Congress scored a big win in Karnataka but could not make much headway in Parliament. The party’s efforts to get the National Food Security Bill passed failed yet again on Wednesday, prompting the Centre to recommend to the presiding officers of both Houses that Parliament be adjourned sine die .
Relentless
Despite its defeat in Karnataka, the Bharatiya Janata Party was relentless in its stand that no Bills would be passed until the “corrupt” ministers resigned. Both the Houses witnessed disruptions in the morning and were adjourned sine die in the afternoon.
The Government said it is committed to implementing the food security legislation. “The National Food Security Bill is a very important legislation for the Government. The UPA is committed to make this law after considering all opinions,” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said.
With all efforts to get the Bill passed during the Budget session failing, a section of the Congress leadership is suggesting that the Government should bring in an ordinance. The thinking is that the BJP will be forced to support the legislation in the Monsoon Session once the Government starts giving out foodgrains at Rs 3 through public distribution outlets using the ordinance.
Introspection
Taking a dig at the Opposition, the Prime Minister said the people of Karnataka have rejected the ideology of the BJP.
He praised Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi for taking a leadership role in the campaign. “It is a clear result against the ideology of the BJP which has been ruling in Karnataka,” the Prime Minister said.
The BJP, on the other hand, is in a mood to introspect on its actions. The party’s Parliamentary Board met here to review the Karnataka poll results.
Its national executive will meet in Goa towards the end of this month. The party believes that the break in caste combinations favoured the Congress.
A senior leader, however, said the party does not regret the expulsion of B. S. Yeddyurappa as it was a principled position based on its fight against corruption.
jigeesh.am@thehindu.co.in