Marines issue: BJP to move Calling Attention Motion in Parliament tomorrow

NEW DELHI: In a bid to build pressure on the government on the Italian marines issue, BJP will move a Calling Attention Motion tomorrow in both Houses of Parliament on Italy's refusal to send back the duo who had killed two Indian fishermen.

Party sources said Najma Heptullah has given a notice to the Chair for moving the Calling Attention Motion in the Rajya Sabha on the matter. Other BJP MPs have also signed on the request.

A similar request for moving a Calling Attention Motion on the same issue is likely to be given by senior BJP leader Jaswant Singh or Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj in the Lower House.

The Left parties as well as Congress MP from Kerala, who had met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today to request that all efforts be made to ensure the return of the two marines, are also likely to press for a discussion on the matter.

The Italian Ambassador was summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs on the issue.

Earlier BJP demanded that the government put pressure on Italy to send back the two marines who are facing trial here.

Terming this a "betrayal and bluff" of the Italian government, BJP further said this is also a contempt of the Supreme Court which had allowed them to go to Italy to cast their vote in the general elections there.

The main Opposition also cornered the UPA government, saying this smacks of a "diplomatic collusion" and appears to be "scripted".