Most of the Political parties have welcomed the decision to withdraw the controversial ordinance on Convicted Lawmakers.
Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad claimed that the BJP has been opposed to the bill from the very beginning. He said, the Cabinet took the decision under pressure from the Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi. He said, the opposition has ensured that the flag of democracy flies high.
On a larger note of the strength of India’s democracy, we are very happy, we are very proud that the opposition of BJP, some other political parties, the civil society, the public opinion, good section of media has ensured that the flag of democracy flies high.
CPI(M) leader, Prakash Karat said, his party was against the ordinance from the beginning, as such an ordinance is against the public interest.
The Trinamool Congress said, it is against the ordinance and is pleased with its withdrawal.
Union Minister and Rashtriya Lok Dal Chief Ajit Singh said, the decision to withdraw the ordinance does not undermine the Prime Minister’s authority.
JD(U) leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said, it is a welcome decision and a positive development.
Earlier, the Union Cabinet decided to withdraw the Ordinance as well as the Bill on convicted lawmakers.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari told reporters after the Cabinet meeting that the decision was unanimous. He said, the Cabinet decided to withdraw the bill, pending before Parliament, and that an appropriate motion will be brought when Parliament re-assembles.
Replying to a question, Mr. Tewari said that the decision has been taken in view of public opinion and that Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi did not undermine the Prime Minister’s authority by raising the issue. He said, Rahul Gandhi may have received feedback from the people to form his opinion.
We respect the diversity of views and yes, there was a view which was articulated by the Vice President of Indian National Congress Mr. Rahul Gandhi and possibly he was taking into his sweep, the widest possible feedback that he had got with regard to this particular ordinance.
About objections from political parties over the ordinance, he said in an all party meeting, the opposition parties had agreed to bring the bill and that the government had acted on it. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi had earlier this week, made certain remarks against the ordinance. The remarks created a row over the issue with the BJP demanding the Prime Minister’s resignation.