New Delhi: A special discussion on Ayodhya in the Lok Sabha was postponed till
February 27, following a request by leaders of all parties and groups, Speaker
Manohar Joshi said.
"Leaders of all political parties and groups requested me that the short duration
discussion on Ayodhya issue be taken up tomorrow (February 27) after consideration
of the Motion of Thanks (to the President for his address to a joint session of
Parliament) was over. I have acceded to their request," Joshi said in the House.
The discussion was slated in the list of business for February 26 after the
legislative business.
The Speaker made the announcement after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members like
Vinay Katiyar and Kirit Somaiya insisted that the discussion should be held as
scheduled on February 26 itself. They also charged the Opposition with "running away
from discussion".
The Opposition members, including Ramjilal Suman (Samajwadi), P R Dasmunsi
(Congress) and Rupchand Pal (Communist party of India-Marxist), asked why should BJP
members oppose postponement of the discussion if their leaders and the government
were also party to the decision.
The Speaker clarified that "when I say all parties, it includes the BJP as well".
PTI
