This Article is From Jul 31, 2011

Parliament should not pre-judge 2G issue: Prime Minister

New Delhi: Ahead of the Monsoon session of Parliament, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today sought to take the sting out of the Opposition's attack on the 2G issue, saying Parliament should not "pre-judge" it as the matter is before courts.

"The matter is before courts. It should be left to be decided by the court and Parliament should not pre-judge the issue," Singh told reporters on the sidelines of an all-party meeting convened by Speaker Meira Kumar.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been gunning for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister P Chidambaram in the wake of former telecom minister A Raja's allegations against them in the 2G case.

Opposition parties like the AIADMK have also demanded an explanation from the Prime Minister and the Home Minister as also Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Raja's charges the in 2G spectrum scam of "Himalayan proportions". (Read)

The PM responded by saying that the "Opposition has too many skeletons in its cupboard".

The BJP hit back immediately with Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj saying, "Let the session begin, we will see who has what to say".

On Anna Hazare's threat to go on a fast from August 16 in protest against a "weak" Lokpal Bill, Singh said the Lokpal Bill's fate will be decided by Parliament.

"As you know, we are ready with the Lokpal Bill. Lokpal Bill's fate will be decided by Parliament. In a democracy, Parliament is a sovereign body, it should be allowed to function and discharge its duty," he said.

On Telangana MPs and MLAs resigning over the statehood demand, Singh hoped that the government would overcome the issue.

(With PTI inputs)
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