New Delhi, Aug 08: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was absent when the 94th and 99th Constitutional Amendments Bills were put to vote in the Lok Sabha today. Vajpayee, who had a mild viral fever since yesterday, could not come to the House as his doctors have advised him rest for a day or two. Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani was present in the House.

Both bills, which were slated for discussion and voting yesterday, were passed today after the opposition agreed to cooperate to pass them. An agreement was earlier reached between the opposition and the government to pass both the bills today.

Bureau Report