Govt may discuss chopper deal in House

The government may agree to have a discussion on the controversial VVIP chopper deal in Parliament under a rule that does not entail voting.

According to sources, the debate could be scheduled after presentation of the general Budget on February 28, even as the opposition parties were expected to raise the matter in both Houses of Parliament on Friday.

“We can hold a debate on the issue under Rule 193 (if the Opposition demands),” a senior Congress leader said.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the government was looking forward to a “very productive and constructive” session of Parliament. “On our part, we wish to engage constructively, productively with all sections of the House in the expectation that there would be responsible dialogue, debate among members of Parliament,” he said.

A discussion on the chopper deal was learnt to have figured during the all-party meeting convened by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath.

During the meeting, the BJP opposed the government’s suggestion to allow passage of the pending Bills on which there was near unanimity after discussion in the House.