UPA would last its full term: Narayanasamy

THANE: The government today rejected demands for dissolution of the Lok Sabha and asserted that the UPA will complete its full term.

"We will not quit just because one person or NGO is making the demand. There are still 18 months left for the completion of the term, which we will complete," Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) V Narayanasamy said here.

His remarks on the sidelines of a function here come against the backdrop of social activist Anna Hazare and former Army chief General V K Singh's demand for immediate dissolution of the Lok Sabha.

Referring to Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi, he said, "The Prime Minister had offered a cabinet berth to him, but he chose to work to strengthen the party instead."

"Manmohanji has youngsters in the Cabinet, who will prove themselves. It is a Congress brigade and not a Rahul brigade," he added.

When asked about the "grand welcome" accorded to BJP chief Nitin Gadkari in Nagpur yesterday, the union minister said, a probe had already been initiated by the Corporate Affairs Ministry against Gadkari. "We can comment only after the (probe) report comes," he said.

On the questions pertaining to the Lokpal Bill, Narayanasamy said that the Bill was before the Review Committee. "It will be brought before the Rajya Sabha after the committee submits a report. We will introduce it and get it passed with the support of other parties in the coming Parliament session," he said.

He agreed that there was a "dire need" of the Navi Mumbai Airport due to growth in air traffic. "I will apprise the Maharashtra Chief Minister about the issue to speed up of work," he said.