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Ruling reserved on discussion of Goa issue in LS

Lok Sabha Speaker G M C Balayogi today reserved his ruling on the admission of a substantive motion under rule 184 on the Goa political developments.

The notice for the discussion was given by Ajit Jogi and P J Kurien (both Congress) yesterday.

Giving his ruling, Balayogi said he had received a ''factual note'' from the home ministry and it was under his consideration.

Earlier, Kurien pleaded with the Speaker to allow the discussion under rule 184.

Home Minister L K Advani intervened to say that the government has no objection to a discussion on the issue. While he agreed with the Opposition that the Goa developments merited a discussion, he said whatever had happened was the governor's decision. The Centre had nothing to do with it.

He said it called for a debate whether the anti-defection law had yielded desired results, and said a free and frank discussion could be possible only under rule 193 and not rule 184.

If the discussion is to take place under 184, it calls for voting. And when voting is involved, every party will issue a whip. In the past there have been several instances where difference of opinion had emerged on such issues. And finally the government's viewpoint was honoured. He said the government was for a debate under rule 193.

Somnath Chatterjee (Communist Party of India-Marxist) wanted to know the government's stand on the issue since the situation was similar to the one that prevailed in Uttar Pradesh in February.

Jaipal Reddy (Janata Dal) maintained that the governor's conduct could be discussed only through a substantive motion under rule 184. Former speaker Balram Jakhar (Congress), however, felt the governor's conduct could not be discussed in the House.

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