NDA to raise in Parl 'assault' on federalism by UPA

New Delhi: Sharpening its knife ahead of the Budget Session of Parliament, NDA on Sunday decided to take up the issue of "assault" on federalism by the UPA government and press for early passage of the Lokpal Bill, but lifted the boycott of Home Minister P Chidambaram in the House.

"In every bill, legislation or every order coming out of the government UPA is increasing its power and curtailing the powers of the states. We want to discuss this assault on federalism on a priority basis," senior BJP leader SS Ahluwalia said referring to the formation of NCTC.

He was talking to reporters after a meeting of NDA floor leaders at the residence of BJP Parliamentary Party chairman LK Advani.

Ahluwalia said the NDA will want to conclude the debate on Lokpal Bill and put it to vote as the issue had remained inconclusive on the last day of the extended Winter Session.

He said when the Lokpal Bill was being discussed in the Rajya Sabha on December 29, the House was adjourned sine die abruptly and at that time, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister had said there are a number of amendments and it was difficult to go through them in a short time and come out with an amended bill.

"So let us start from that point and work on Lokpal Bill. Let us see the government bill and the amendments. Let us put it to vote and decide on the fate of the Bill," Ahluwalia said.

When asked whether the NDA will continue to "boycott" Chidambaram for his alleged role in 2G spectrum allocation as the Finance Minister, Ahluwalia said the boycott was limited to the last session only.

"We will not boycott Chidambaram in the House any more as we want a discussion on the anti-terror body NCTC and the functioning of the NIA," he explained.

He said the issue of Telangana will be brought up effectively by BJP and its allies who support the formation of the new state carved out of Andhra Pradesh.

Ahluwalia said the NDA will also take up the issue of ban on cotton exports. "If the ban is not lifted by March 12, we will disrupt the proceedings," he said. He also said if farmers commit suicide due to the ban which could hurt them in monetary terms, then FIRs should be lodged against the government.