Food security bill a poll gimmick: BJP

New Delhi: The much-touted Food Security Bill was taken up in Rajya Sabha, with Opposition terming it as a “gimmick” with an eye on elections. The BJP accused the government of violating constitutional norms by issuing an Ordinance when Parliament session was less than a month away.
Speaking on a statutory resolution for disapproval of the Food Security Ordinance, Jaitley who was joined by CPI-M, CPI and AIADMK in moving it, said it was issued in hurry and less than a month of beginning of Parliament session.

“An Ordinance is brought if there is a matter of utmost urgency and it can’t await the Session of Parliament…What would have happened in 30 days that we couldn’t wait. The Constitution does not allow so…It is misuse of your right to issue an Ordinance,” Jaitley said.

Questioning the hurry in issuing the Food Ordinance, he said, “At best, it could be aimed at reaping political benefits.”