The Hindu Business Line : Govt wins trust vote

New Delhi, July 22 The ruling United Progressive Alliance government comfortably sailed through on Tuesday the trust vote moved by the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, in the Lok Sabha seeking confidence in his Government.

The Congress-led alliance was able to muster 275 votes in its favour as against the 256 of the combined Opposition – the margin being way above the photo-finish that was being projected almost right till the end of the two-day long debate.

There were 10 others – of the total 541 eligible to vote (minus the Speaker and a disqualified member) – who either abstained or absented themselves.

Dr Singh’s Government now looks all set to complete its full term till the next general elections due in April. Whether this breather would bring economic reforms back on the agenda – as India Inc is hoping for – or induce a fresh round of pre-electoral populism remains to be seen.

Industry expectations

What industry is certainly looking at is the passage of a few crucial legislations in the ensuing Monsoon session – particularly those allowing a removal of the existing 10 per cent individual voting rights cap in banks and raising the 26 per cent foreign direct investment limit in insurance companies to 49 per cent.

Besides, there are expectations of pension reforms receiving a kick-start, though there may not be sufficient time to push these through before the term ends.

Sensational allegations

The Government’s victory was, however, overshadowed by some sensational allegations of cash-for-votes made by three Members of Parliament belonging to the principal Opposition, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In a dramatic move, the three members – Mr Ashok Argal, Mr Faggan Singh Kulaste and Mr Mahavir Bagora – entered the well of the House even as the debate was on and emptied a bag containing cash apparently worth Rs 1 crore. This was supposedly the ‘advance’ paid to them for abstaining from voting so as to make matters easier for the Government.

The MPs claimed they were offered Rs 3 crore each in a deal allegedly brokered by Mr Amar Singh, General Secretary of the Samajwadi Party (SP), which has extended support to the UPA Government after the withdrawal of support by the 61-member Left Parties that led to the Prime Minister seeking a confidence motion.

The bribery charges led to the BJP demanding Dr Singh’s resignation. Due to the commotion in the House, the Prime Minister was unable to even reply to the debate on the confidence motion and his statement had to be issued separately on the official Web site of the Government.

The CPI(M) General Secretary, Mr Prakash Karat, said that the Left Parties had the “evidence, including the date, time, and other records” of the alleged horse-trading indulged in order to ensure the Government’s survival.

The charges were referred to the Speaker, Mr Somnath Chatterjee, who promised to enquire into the matter.

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