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| Bajaj's queries on auto sector draw protests in RS |
| Press Trust Of India / New Delhi Dec 17, 2008, 00:56 IST |
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 Rahul Bajaj, the chairman of India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturing company Bajaj Auto, today created a flutter in the Rajya Sabha when he sought to know the government’s response on slowing auto sales, leading to protests from the Samajwadi Party and Left over conflict of interest.
Asking a supplementary on inflation rate, Bajaj first remarked that his firm was not able to sell vehicles despite claims of India not being in recession, prompting protests from Amar Singh of Samajwadi Party who said members cannot raise issues concerning their own companies. Bajaj withdrew the remark and went on to ask about the government’s response to slowing of sales in the auto sector.
Home Minister P Chidambaram, who is replying to queries on behalf of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who now holds the finance portfolio, said the government had cut excise duty by four per cent and has asked banks to lend to borrowers wanting to purchase four and two-wheelers. While the Government was doing its part, it was an “obligation on part of the industry to cut prices,” he said.
After the reply, Brinda Karat (CPM) said members should not use the floor of the House to ask government about concerns of their industry. Karan Singh (Cong) said as part of the established procedure to avoid clash of interest, members can raise issues concerning their industry but only after declaring their personal interest.
Chairman Hamid Ansari said “this should be noted” and continued with the rest of the listed business.
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