New Delhi, Aug 16: Defence Minister George Fernandes, who is in the eye of the storm over the CVC report issue, today said he would participate in the debate on the Opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion against the government in the Lok Sabha on Monday. "I will take part in the debate," he told reporters after a meeting of NDA partners convened by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee ahead of the no-trust motion.
Fernandes, who is the convenor of NDA, said if necessary, AIADMK would be approached for supporting the government during the no-confidence motion.
"We will very much like AIADMK to support and if necessary, the party will be approached," the Defence Minister said.
Fernandes said a meeting of NDA MPs would be held on Monday ahead for the debate on the motion. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will intervene in the discussion on Tuesday and Leader of the Opposition Sonia Gandhi will give the reply.
Efforts are also being made to bring MDMK leader Vaiko, a member of the Lok Sabha, to Delhi, Fernandes said.
Vaiko is currently under detention under Pota in Tamil Nadu.
To a question whether DMK would be angry if the government approached AIADMK for its support, Fernandes said that there would be no conflict of interest if this was done.
Asked whether he considered himself guilty of being responsible for the no-confidence motion faced by the government, he asked, "What crime have I committed?"
Bureau Report