The crucial debate on the Opposition-sponsored censure motion on Gujarat began in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday with Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav initiating the discussion.
The day-long debate under Rule 184, which entails voting, would be replied to by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The voting would follow the reply.
The debate started after the Question Hour as decided by the Business Advisory Committee. Lok Sabha sources said that eight hours had been allotted for the debate and the voting exercise. The motion reads "That this House expresses its grave concern over the failure of the administration in ensuring the security of the minority community in various parts of the country, specially in Gujarat, and urges upon the government to take effective steps to restore confidence of the minority communities and to protect them."
The decision to have the debate under Rule 184 was taken last week by Deputy Speaker P M Sayeed, ending a six-day deadlock in the House on the issue.

Political parties have issued whips to their members to be present in the House and vote on the motion according to party lines. Bureau Report