NDA to boycott P Chidambaram in Parliament over 2G scam

NEW DELHI: The NDA on Monday ratcheted up its confrontation with the UPA by announcing its decision to boycott home minister P Chidambaram in Parliament over the 2G spectrum allocation issue. In what could lead to a complete break down in the relations between the two sides, the entire Opposition bloc — from Right to Left — will move adjournment motions on price rise and the black money.

At a meeting on Monday, NDA leaders decided to mount pressure on the government for Chidambaram’s ouster by not allowing him to speak in the House. “The home minister is as guilty in the 2G issue as former telecom minister A Raja. The prime minister accepted Raja’s resignation but not Chidambaram’s.

Till he accepts his resignation we will oppose Chidambaram,” BJP’s SS Ahluwalia told reporters after the meeting.

The BJP has been alleging that the government was passing the blame in corruption cases to its allies and sparing Congress leaders. When NDA was in power, Congress had boycotted the then defence minister George Fernandes for 22 months in both Houses over the Tehelka expose.

The NDA, whose convenor Sharad Yadav is coordinating with the other Opposition parties, will be backing the Left’s adjournment motion on price rise. In turn, the Left will be supporting the BJP’s adjournment motion on black money.

BJP leader LK Advani had on Sunday said all NDA MPs will be giving a declaration that they do not possess any illegal wealth outside the country.