Ready to discuss ‘so called intolerance’, says Venkaiah Naidu

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday said the ruling party is ready to discuss issues of intolerance, and Goods and Services Tax(GST) Bill among many other bills with the Opposition in the Winter Session of the Parliament which begins tomorrow.

“The ruling party is ready to discuss the issues of so called intolerance. Though the matter pertains to the domain of states, but we have decided that if the Opposition insists, we will discuss. Then, we are also keen to get GST, Negotiable instrument Act, and other important bills to be passed in this session. It was also decided to have a dialogue with the Congress party with regard to GST and find a way out for getting it approved in Parliament,” Naidu told the media here.

Naidu also said that all parties supporting the government in the NDA meeting complimented Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his successful foreign trip to South Asia.

“There was also a NDA meeting where all parties supporting the government were present. They all complimented the Prime Minister for the successful foreign trip and Mr. Rio, the former Chief Minister of Nagaland have complimented the Prime Minister for taking initiative of Naga Peace Accord. The centre has also decided to focus on the drought in UP and Maharashtra,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today stressed the “need for all political parties to work together to enable the Parliament function to the expectations of the people of the country”.

Speaking at the meeting of leaders of All Parties and Groups in both Houses of Parliament, Prime Minister expressed happiness over leaders of various parties favouring smooth functioning of Parliament during the Winter session beginning tomorrow.

Prime Minister further said that Finance Minister Arun Jaitely is talking to leaders of different parties regarding GST Bill.

Regarding the procedure to be followed during the two day discussion on Constitution, Naidu informed that Vice-President and Speaker will make opening remarks in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha respectively following which Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who is also the Deputy Leader of the House initiate discussion in the Lower House while Finance Minister and Leader of the House would do so in Rajya Sabha. Prime Minister will intervene towards the end of the discussion in both Houses, he said.

The Minister further informed that leaders of various parties suggested adoption of a Resolution at the end of discussion in both the Houses and draft Resolution on Commitment to the Constitution be formulated in consultation with all the parties and this will be discussed further.

Issues for discussion suggested by different parties include: Drought and heavy rains in different parts of the country; agrarian distress, declining industrial production and exports, Centre-State relations including extending financial support to states, Nepal issue, Womens’ reservation, striking down of National Judicial Appointments Commission Bill etc. (ANI)