Winter session of Parliament begins today

The winter session of Parliament begins today. The nearly month-long session is expected to be stormy as the Opposition is planning to corner the government on various issues, including intolerance and price rise. Parties, including Congress, JD(U) and Left have already submitted their notices for adjournment motions demanding a debate on the issue of intolerance and passage of a resolution condemning such incidents.

Government has said that it is ready for a debate on intolerance. Talking to media after the BJP Parliamentary Party executive and NDA allies meeting in New Delhi last evening, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu said that the government has nothing to hide and feel shy about the issue as it is a state subject.

Mr Naidu also said that the Centre is keen to pass the key legislations including Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill and has decided to have dialogue with Congress on the issue.

Earlier, speaking at the all-party meet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi



urged all political parties to work together to enable Parliament to function upto the expectations of the people. Mr Modi expressed satisfaction over leaders favouring smooth functioning of Parliament. On GST, Mr Modi said, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is in touch with leaders of different parties.

Congress has said that discussion should take place in Parliament on intolerance, inflation, floods and farmers suicide. Briefing media in New Delhi, party senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad claimed that incidents of communal tension and intolerance have considerably increased and the issue should be addressed. On a query whether the party will support the passage of GST bill, Mr Azad said, his party will support the passage but after certain amendments.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan also held a meeting with floor leaders of all parties in Parliament House to seek co-operation for smooth conduct of proceedings during the session. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Ms Mahajan appealed to all political parties to have a debate on more and more issues. She also urged them to maintain decorum in the House.