L A T E S T      N E W S

Budget session begins

New Delhi: The stage is set for a stormy budget session beginning on Monday (March 12). The Congress bruised by electoral setbacks in UP, Punjab and Goa is now up against an emboldened Opposition. Making it even more difficult for the Congress led UPA government is the buzz of mid term polls floated not just by the NDA, but even a possible reemerging third front.

It was post a massive drubbing in Uttar Pradesh that the national parties found themselves in a tough spot while the congress has come out and denied reports of post poll differences.
The BJP has been busy strategising. It was at this meeting that the BJP is set the tone for the budget session of parliament, vowing to take on the government for what they call an assault on federalism.

The left is determined to follow its own agenda and is set to question the government over several bills that tread on the rights of individual states.

The UPA faces a tough test ahead. This time it's not just the opposition but the allies as well which may pose some hurdles. One thing is certain, the knives are out in Delhi and it's going to be a tough battle for the UPA to win.

Cong to name U'khand CM

Dehradun: With the BSP and some Independent MLAs deciding to extend support, the Congress party, which staked claim in Uttarakhand to form the next government, is expected to announce its chief ministerial candidate on Monday.
Congress has been struggling to decide on who will be its chief minister in Uttarakhand with party leaders huddled in a series of meetings here with aspirants in the race for the top job.

Party sources said PCC president Yashpal Arya may be emerging as a front-runner and a final decision will be taken by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, probably today.
Union Minister Harish Rawat and party MP Vijay Bahuguna, both also staking their claim for chief ministership, had a two-hour meeting with AICC general secretary in-charge for the state Chaudhary Birender Singh and Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad at the latter's residence here Sunday evening.

UPA has the 'numbers': PM

New Delhi: Amid speculation that the country is heading to mid-term polls, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asserted on Monday that the UPA has the numbers required to maintain its majority in the Parliament.
Speaking to reporters before walking into the Parliament – the Budget Session begins today – the Prime Minister said that the government is willing to discuss and debate all issues.

“I am confident that this Budget Session will run smoothly,” he said. Requesting all parties to cooperate on major challenges faced by the country, the PM added, “We are willing to discuss all issues on the floor of the Parliament.”
However, despite PM’s assurance, heated debates over what some opposition-ruled states see as Centre's efforts to usurp their powers through the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) is expected during the Session.