Chandigarh, September 24
Ruling out the possibility of mid-term elections to the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, today said the UPA government would complete its full five-year term.
“There is no possibility of a mid-term poll and the government will complete its full term,’’ he said while talking to reporters at a function organised by the Chandigarh Press Club here today to mark its silver jubilee celebrations.
The Prime Minister stated this when asked whether he would opt for a mid-term poll to ‘’get rid’’ of certain UPA allies which were hampering his agenda of economic reforms. Also, former Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee had asked the people to be ready for a mid-term poll.
Admitting problems in running a coalition government, he expressed the hope that despite some differences among the UPA partners, his government would deliver the goods with their continuous support.
‘’We are a coalition government and it’s no easy task to run a coalition government. But I am confident that all of us will stand together and despite occasional hiccups we will fulfil all promises made to the people under the Common Minimum Programme,’’ Dr Manmohan Singh said.
The Prime Minister also asserted that the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project would not be suspended. “ There is no reason to suspend the gas pipeline and it will be taken to its logical conclusion,’’ Dr Manmohan Singh said when asked if India could reconsider the project to garner US support for its candidature for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
He, however, said the proposed pipeline project was still in its infancy. ‘’Discussions are taking place. A feasibility study is being made. The proposed pipeline is still in the early stages,’’ Dr Manmohan Singh said.
When asked about the release of prisoners in Pakistan, he said it was on the agenda. The Foreign Ministry was working on it while the matter had been brought to the notice of the Pakistan President.
On the setting up of a wage board for journalists, he said: “I am aware of the needs.”
When asked what his priority areas would be, the Prime Minister said he would want to give more importance to education and health as these could improve the quality of life of millions of Indians.
On taking up of the turban-issue with the French authorities, the Prime Minister said the matter had been taken up at the highest level.
Interestingly, the Prime Minister chose not to reply to a question relating to the provision of free power to farmers by the Punjab Government.
