Archives

NEW DELHI, Monday (AFP) Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee Monday rallied his partners in government to fight off a no-confidence vote in parliament, which he said the ruling alliance was sure to win.

"The prime minister said the day to fight it out had come and we will be victorious," ruling BJP party spokesman Vijay Kumar Malhotra told reporters after a meeting of MPs of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) - a coalition of about 24 parties headed by Vajpayee's BJP party.

Vajpayee was addressing over 300 MPs of the NDA ahead of the no-confidence motion due to be moved by the leader of main opposition Congress party, Sonia Gandhi, later in the day.

"He (Vajpayee) said we were waiting for this day for a long time. Our allies are together. The world cannot believe how so many parties are ruling together," the BJP spokesman added. The NDA enjoys a clear majority with 323 MPs, way ahead of the breaking figure of 272 in the lower house of 543 seats.

Ahead of the motion, Gandhi addressed a meeting of opposition parties to discuss floor strategy and issues to be highlighted during the debate.

The debate is likely to last until Tuesday evening followed by Vajpayee's reply and the vote.

www.crescat.com

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries

Produced by Lake House
Copyright © 2003 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager