PARLIAMENT DIARY

CCTV SHOWS WRONG FACE, NEW SYSTEM FAILS

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has introduced a new system inside the House. Whenever a MP speaks, his name is flashed in the close circuit TV so that other members can recognise him easily. But the system ensures that only name of those MPs will flash if he or she speaks from his or her designated seat. When minister of state for agriculture was replying to a question on Wednesday, the close circuit TV showed minister of state for labour and employment Santosh Gangwar. When it was pointed out, the Speaker observed that perhaps the minister was not replying from his own seat.

TMC FINDS A STRANGE ALLY IN YSR CONG

The Speaker has made some changes in the sitting arrangement of leaders in front row of Lok Sabha. In the last Lok Sabha, BJD leader Bhartruhari Mahatab used to sit next to Trinamul Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay. In the present Lok Sabha, leader of the YSR Congress Mithun Reddy was given the seat next to the TMC Leader. A newcomer, Mr Reddy seeks advice from Mr Bandopadhayay everyday. This way, TMC got a new friend in YSR Congress. TMC leaders feel that they might get cooperation from YSR Congress in near future.

BJP TO MPs: BE PRESENT IN FULL STRENGTH

Many MPs were curious when they came to know on Wednesday that all the BJP MPs were told by the government to be present in both the Houses of Parliament from December 1. Even they were advised not to leave the capital from that date. There is obvious speculation about possible tabling of controversial Citizenship Act amendment bill. Following the announcement by Union home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday the speculation got more credibility. Senior members of the ruling party are not saying about only Citizenship Act Bill but there could be more surprises from the Treasury benches in the coming month.

CONG, NCP FEEL THE HEAT

There is widespread perception among the political classes of the capital that announcement by Union home minister Amit Shah to bring Citizenship Act amendment bill during the winter session has forced both Congress and NCP to rewrite the common minimum programme for forming a Shiv Sena government in the state. Both Congress and NCP are opposed to the bill. But Sena is supportive of giving citizenship to distressed Hindus from neighbouring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh. If the bill comes in the house then Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena will have to be on the same boat. Otherwise, it would be difficult for Congress to support a Shiv Sena led government.