Not satisfied by the Government’s explanation that the committee was an “internal political mechanism” of the ruling coalition, the Opposition disrupted the proceedings of the House.

Addressing a press conference, Advani said the Government also rejected the NDA’s demands for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and amendment of the Constitution for ratification of international agreements by Parliament. Reading out a statement titled “Indo-US nuclear agreement hijacked,” Advani said that setting-up of the committee was a “deliberate and blatant violation” of the Parliament’s rights, prerogatives and privileges.

“This setting-up of a private committee is a total negation of the Opposition’s rights and role in Parliament. It trivialises the high importance of a vital national issue impacting on our national security and the country’s strategic autonomy for the next half century,” said the BJP leader.

Accusing the government of “voluntarily handing over” decision-making to the CPI(M) and the Left Front, Advani said: “There is now apparently no Central Government effectively holding the reins of office, the Communists have been handed over power to decide the future of India without any responsibility.”

Advani said “this abdication by the Government, of its responsibility is a betrayal of their oath” and described the alliance between the Congress and Left as “most opportunistic”. The BJP leader said that in the name of energy security, the Government should not “jeopardise the national security”. He said the Congress-Left committee has not only bypassed Parliament, but also insulted it. “They (Government) cannot treat important national issue as a private matter between the Left and the Congress,” he said. Responding to a question, Advani said, “the UNPA has always been supporting us”.

NDA convenor George Fernandes, senior BJP leaders Jaswant Singh, Sushma Swaraj, Shiv Sena leader Anant Geete, BJD leader Brajakishore Tripathi and Sharad Joshi (Swatantra Bharat Paksh) also attended the press conference.