Lok Sabha could be reconvened in new year for vote-on-account

NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha, which was adjourned sine die today, could be reconvened in the new year for passage of vote-on-account ahead of the general elections instead of going in for a budget session.

An indication to this effect was available with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath today insisting that the winter session has not been prorogued and only adjourned sine die and could be convened at a short notice.

Lok Sabha polls are likely to be held in April-May next year.

"We have adjourned the session sine die, we have not prorogued the session and it can be brought at a short notice.

"After talking to all parties, we will take a decision on this so that we can process with the strengthening of all anti-corruption efforts to which the government is committed," Nath told reporters outside Parliament.

He said other legislations like the Whistle Blowers' Bill and Delivery of Services Bill which are in the same basket that give strength to the Lokpal bill also need to be passed.

"We will be engaging other parties to ensure that we are able to pass these so that Lokpal is strengthened. All parties should come together to ensure that all other bills in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are passed," he said.

Terming the passage of the Lokpal Bill by Parliament as "historic", he said it was government's priority to pass it and a commitment by it to the people.

He said that some parties had made it their priority after the UPA government had made its intention clear.

"Some parties had opposed it but I am happy that eventually all parties got around," he said.