New Delhi: It is the age old lure of the lal batti - the symbol of power and status. The country may be agitated over issues like rising inflation, land acquisition and assorted scams but our members of Parliament are vexed over just why they have been deprived of that red beacon.
Led by Congress MP Avtar Singh Bhadana, a hundred legislators have signed a petition to the Chairman of the Privileges Committee demanding they be given their due privilege - the lal batti, reserved only for ministers.
Here is the rationale. Err, Mr Bhadana, like fellow Congressman Suresh Kalmadi, it appears has had a temporary memory lapse. His Party President had only recently warned all "avoid the lal batti culture".
Some in the Opposition like once minister Shahnawaz Hussein who rode the red beacon is sympathetic but says you got to earn it. ...
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08:21 PM, Aug 12, 2011
New Delhi: There seems to be a reservation plea taking place in Parliament as well, with around hundred MPs demanding that they be allowed to add the special red beacon to their cars. They have sent a petition to the Chairman, Privilege Committee requesting that they be allowed to use the beacon while driving in New Delhi. Present rules allow only ministers to have a red beacon atop their cars....
05:08 PM, Aug 12, 2011
