New Delhi: Expressing concern over BJP's (Bharatiya Janata Party) reported threat to "obstruct" proceedings in the winter session of Parliament, Congress today (Nov 24, 2004) said it would not allow Parliament to be used as a weapon of intimidation and sought the Opposition party's cooperation in smooth functioning of both Houses.

"Congress notes with concern the posture adopted by certain sections of the Opposition, particularly the remarks made by BJP leaders that they would be offensive, aggressive and assertive in Parliament. It feels that offensive behaviour has no place in Parliamentary democracy," Party spokesperson Jayanthi Natrajan told reporters.

Accusing the main Opposition party of a tendency to "disrupt" Parliament, she said ever since this Lok Sabha was constituted the BJP-led NDA (National Democratic Alliance) combination has "consistently refused" to allow Parliament to function or has "even failed" to function as a constructive Opposition party.

"We would like to caution them to cooperate in the functioning of Parliament as it is their democratic duty. We would not allow Parliament to be used as a weapon of intimidation," she said.

Recalling that more than 47 hours were lost in the last session and only 48 starred questions out of the total 441 could be answered, she said due to their behaviour they have "lost the support of people" in the Lok Sabha polls and "if they continue to do so, they may even lose their status of main Opposition party".