Govt seeks consensus to amend law

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi, assigned by Singh to talk to the parties for a consensus, spoke to Leader of the Opposition L K Advani at the weekend and followed it up with top leaders of ruling UPA, Left parties, which provide support to the government from outside, and other opposition forces on Sunday and yesterday.

While there appeared to be consensus that Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification Act) of 1959 be amended, most parties, excepting BJP, favoured an all-party meeting before a special session of Parliament is convened for the purpose.

Dasmunsi is expected to submit a report to the prime minister on the outcome of his talks with political leaders. The prime minister would then scrutinise the views and ask the government's legal experts to draft a new law.

In a rare convergence of interests across the political class, the opposition have joined hands with the ruling alliance to demand a Parliament session for redefining the office of profit because the issue affects every party.

Enacting amendment to the law relating to office of profitan issue that cost Sonia her parliament membership--is a matter of some urgency not only to Congress but also to CPI (M) as the Election Commission is set to examine office of profit petitions against ten lawmakers, including Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, of the Marxist party.

The CPI (M) politburo has asked the government to expeditiously resolve the issue in consultation with all parties. The party also rejected the demand for resignation of their MPs allegedly holding office of profit.

Efforts to frame a new law coincided as the office of profit controversy spread to a number of states where political rivals have petitioned against each others' lawmakers for allegedly holding office of profit.

But there is also a realisation that a partisan response to the issue could spell trouble for all parties, political observers said.

Sources in the parties said political appointments to government corporations and boards are very common and acquired further importance following a Constitut-ional amendment limiting the size of the ministries to 15 percent of the total strength of the legislatures. These appointments are given to placate those who cannot be accommodated in ministries, they added.