Jaswant has more sops lined up

The government is all set to roll out another package of concessions to take the feel-good factor to a political peak, while seeking the vote-on-account in a special session of Parliament in the first week of February.

Officials said the finance ministry's decision to give certain concessions to different social sections in the past two days pertained to the category of "executive decisions", which could be taken without the sanction of Parliament.

"But certain concessions will be given by Finance Minister Jaswant Singh, while presenting the vote-on-account," said an official.

Obviously, there will be many aces up the sleeves of the finance minister when he seeks the Vote on Account, confirm sources.

However, the decision to call a session of Parliament in the first week of February was a tactical move and got the approval of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Sushma Swaraj has been asked to make the necessary arrangements. Officials admitted that though there was a plan to hold the special session of Parliament in the third week of January, leaders in the government decided to change the schedule.

Apparently, the summoning of special session of Parliament is expected to coincide with the retirement of chief election commissioner JM Lyngdoh on February 6.

The implication of the move is that the government wants to avoid involving Lyngdoh in the process of decision-making on the election schedule.

The appointment of Lyngdoh's successor will be a crucial political decision, having significant bearing on the polls. Officials say former cabinet secretary TR Prasada has been tipped as Lyngdoh's possible successor.

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