CHANDIGARH: The 75th Constitution Amendment Bill seeking to amend the Indian constitution to provide for extension of Central rule in Punjab for another term of six months fell through in the country’s lower house of Parliament on Monday but many observers were still hopeful of another attempt by the V.P. Singh Government later in the week to steer the statute change clear of hurdles to dispense with the need to hold election before November 10.

It is felt that the Congress Opposition might finally lend its support to the fresh measure when the Government brought forward the new bill because it merely wanted to show up the ruling coalition as a house divided against itself and incapable of managing a simple majority in India’s lower house. It could be shown as a morale booster to the Congress (I) in the event of a midterm election in the country.

Explaining his party’s refusal to participate in the voting in the introduction stage of the bill, Rajiv Gandhi on behalf of the Congress (I) opposition said: “A hopelessly divided Janata Dal should first demonstrate its majority support. It is not the responsibility of the ‘Opposition to ensure mandatory simple majority for the amendment bill. My party’s only commitment was to help the government clear the other hurdle of two thirds majority for the bill”.

The Prime Minister who accused the Congress (I) of breach of trust on Punjab said that the Government was willing to hold elections immediately in Punjab. As for the failure of the government to muster a simple majority, the Prime Minister said that the opposition was free to move a motion of no confidence in his government. The ruling coalition, he said, would defeat such a move.

AB.J.P. member, Jaswant Singh, observed that he found a question posed by the Congress (I) opposition leader of great constitutional value about the majority support for the government. But I do not think this question needs to be posed in the context of Punjab. He noted that the Congress (I) had scored a debating point by withholding support to the bill and causing its defeat.

It is evident that major parties in the Lok Sabha are united on Punjab. They do not want elections in the State immediately. As such a way out may be found later in the week to ensure a smooth passage for the bill unless there are dramatic contrary developments.

Article extracted from this publication >> October 5, 1990