The government remained unruffled on Tuesday by the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party's demand for a discussion on the Indo-US nuclear deal in Lok Sabha under a rule that entails voting.
"I am not at all worried. We have no objection if BJP gives a notice and if the Speaker admits it," Parliamentary Affairs Minister P R Dasmunsi told reporters when asked about BJP's demand for a discussion under Rule 184.
He said in the Business Advisory Committee, which met earlier in the day, the government has agreed to a discussion either in the form of clarification or a general discussion.
Dasmunsi's remarks came on a day when the United Progressive Alliance leaders in Parliament met to deliberate on the strategy to be followed in the matter with the issue scheduled to come up on the last two days of the current session, concluding on December 19.
At the same time, he rejected demands that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh should reply to the discussion underlining the fact that External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee was competent to answer it.
The last time, the prime minister had responded to the debate as he was holding the duel charge of the external affairs portfolio.
Besides, Dasmunsi maintained that the statement made by Mukherjee on Tuesday sufficiently addressed concerns about the deal and 'if there is something between the lines, the government will respond'.
Dasmunsi said the OBC quota Bill and the Tribals Bill would be taken up for consideration and passing by Friday.
Efforts would also be made to pass three legislations concerning three universities in the Northeast, Child Marriage Prevention Bill and Child Protection Bill during the week, he said.
A move was also afoot for a discussion on the 11th Plan, which would be replied to by the prime minister on December 19, he said.
There was unlikely to be any discussion on the Sachar Committee report, which went into the status of minorities, especially Muslims as there was no notice from any political party, he said.
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