In the wake of strong BJP opposition to the passage of two constitutional amendment bills pertaining to Darjeeling Gorkha hill council, the Centre on Tuesday decided to refer the legislation to the parliamentary standing committee on home affairs.
Union home minister Shivraj Patil, who had introduced the two bills three days ago in the Lok Sabha and had scheduled it for passage on Tuesday, told the Lok Sabha that there have been suggestions from some members and political parties that these bills be referred to a standing committee or a Joint Select Committee.
Seeking to justify the government?s atttempt to rush through the bill in four days time, Patil told the House that the government wanted its passage as early as possible because of fears that any delay might lead to deterioration in law and order situation in Darjeeling.
Speaker Somnath Chatterjee observed that since there is reconciliation, ?I do not stand in the way,? of deferring their consideration.
The decision came a day after the main Opposition BJP decided to oppose the bills if these were not referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee, saying there was an established convention that a new bill is always referred to it.
Lok Sabha witnessed hectic activity as parliamentary affairs minister PR Dasmunsi consulted CPI(M) members while CPI?s Gurudas Dasgupta had a word with BJP deputy leader VK Malhotra on the bills.
The Sixth Schedule to the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, and the Constitution (107th Amendment) Bill, 2007, seek to give powers to the Gorkha Hill Council in matters of land, revenue and forests.
However, there is a sizeable section in the Darjeeling hills who are against inclusion of the areas there, under the Sixth schedule of the constitution.