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NDA to continue Parliament boycott
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May 03, 2005 13:36 IST

The National Democratic Alliance on Tuesday decided to continue its boycott of Parliament.

BJP Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha Sushma Swaraj, who addressed reporters after an NDA meeting, said the boycott will continue till the time the "opposition is allowed to raise its voice on issues like corruption [in Parliament]."

Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee chaired the meeting.

The Opposition led by the NDA is protesting against the way United Progressive Alliance government is conducting Parliament. They are also demanding the removal of Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav from the Cabinet. Lalu has been charge sheeted in the fodder scam.

The NDA broke the boycott on Monday to participate in discussions on the Finance Bill.

"As the main opposition party, we cannot be mute spectators. The people's mandate demands of us to play the role of a vigilant guard," Swaraj said.

"Our leaders are being humiliated. The leader of the opposition is not even allowed to speak. If we are not allowed to raise the issues, what's the point in remaining inside. We might as well remain outside and raise them," she added.

Dismissing suggestions that the Telugu Desam Party is not with the NDA on the boycott issue, Swaraj said: "TDP leader Yerran Naidu has assured us his party's support."

Refuting reports that there are differences between Vajpayee and the Leader of the Opposition Lal Kishenchand Advani on the boycott issue, she said, "There are absolutely no differences. It is a unanimous decision."

The NDA coordination committee will meet later in the day followed by a meeting of its Parliamentary party on Wednesday.

Earlier reports:
NDA breaks LS boycott for the day
NDA to boycott Parliament for 3 days

 


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