New Delhi, Aug 18: Prasar Bharati is faced with an unusual request from some members of Parliament. Senior ministry and broadcaster officials are not sure how to handle the situation. Some Lok Sabha MPs have asked that on the lines of Doordarshan, the All India Radio should also broadcast the debate on no-confidence motion on Monday and Tuesday considering the overwhelming reach of the Radio in even remote areas. Sources said the only person who could be a help in this case is Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi. The Prasar Bharati chief is expected to meet Mr Joshi by Monday morning and make an effort to convince him that while a live telecast of the debate on Doordarshan had its merits, a direct broadcast on Radio will have several problems.
A senior official said: "One has to understand difference between Doordarshan and radio. While on television, a strap on lower end of the screen could announce the name of the speaker and also the context, there cannot be such provision on radio." On the eve of no-confidence motion, senior BJP leaders seem to be taking things in stride. Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani along with senior party colleagues and family friends watched Rakesh Roshan's latest release Koi Mil Gaya an an exclusive show on Sunday. The ruling party leaders believe that the debate would eventually "expose hollowness" of the Opposition, as the Government is very firmly placed on its seat.