The Government today ruled out any explanation by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the distribution of money by Railways Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav at a rally, stating that the issue fell in the domain of the Election Commission. The issue rocked Parliament with the NDA staging a walk-out to press for a dismissal of Laloo, derecognition of the RJD and a statement by the Prime Minister. Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who is also the leader of the Lok Sabha, told the House that Laloo was not simply a minister at the Centre — he was also the leader of ‘‘an important party,’’ which was in power in Bihar. Whenever the model code of conduct for elections came in to force, it was for the Election Commission to decide what action should be taken for its violation. He said, ‘‘Neither the Prime Minister nor anyone else has to decide about it.’’ Therefore, the question of collective responsibility of the Cabinet ‘‘does not arise.’’ Mukherjee also pointed out that the commission had not found anyone guilty. ‘‘Let Parliament not interfere in the legitimate function of the Election Commission,’’ he added. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad told the Rajya Sabha that a show-cause notice had been issued by the EC to Laloo, who had been given time till the afternoon of December 24 to reply. The Government would not be able say anything on it in the House until the RJD chief responded to the notice, he added. Former prime minister A. B. Vajpayee, who led the Opposition’s attack in the Lower House, expressed dissatisfaction with the response of Mukherjee. He said, ‘‘The leader of the House has disappointed us. But, we still have hope from the Prime Minister.’’ Vajpayee sought to know if it was not morally desirable to remove a minister who had violated the law. He said Rs 100 notes were distributed by Laloo not for removing poverty but with the aim of winning the forthcoming assembly polls. ‘‘What is the use of the model code of conduct when it is not observed?’’ he asked pointing out that the ‘‘the minister is not even ashamed and is openly saying he has distributed money.’’ BJP member Sushil Kumar Modi alleged Laloo was targetting supporters of Ram Vilas Paswan with money. Outside Parliament too, the Congress steered clear of the issue. Party spokesman Anand Sharma told reporters that one had to wait for the RJD chief to give his reply to the EC notice. However, he said the matter would have no bearing on the Congress tie-up with the RJD for the coming Assembly polls.
