What the Parl slugfest is about

Late in the day, but here's what a privilege notice or motion means.

It's basically a motion or a notice that is granted precedence over other matters in Parliament. It is therefore a matter of urgencythat needs to be discussed forwith.

The BJP, which has moved theprivilege motion against the PM, wants the cash for votes issue to bediscussed before the finance bill is discussed. TheCongress wants it the other way round.

You need toremember that the budget session of Parliament ends in three days on March 25. This means the finance bill has to be approved by the LS, sent on to the RS and then given the stamp of approval by the President.

The Congress is therefore buying time by demanding that the finance bill be passed first. Parliamentary Affairs minister Pawan Kumar Bansal says it is in the nation's interest to see the finance bill is passed.