At all-party meeting, PM Modi calls for constructive debate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sundaychaired an all-party meeting where he stressed on positive and constructive debate in Parliament and said his government is ready for debate on any topic under the rules. The meeting was held a day before the monsoon session begins.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union minister and Leader of House in Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi were present at the meeting. Floor leaders of more than 33 parties took part in the discussion. From the Congress, Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury - its leaders in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, respectively, were present.

Floor leaders of all prominent opposition parties, including Derek O' Brien from the Trinamool, Tiruchi Siva of the DMK, Ram Gopal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party leader and Satish Mishra of the BSP were also present. Apna Dal leader and NDA ally Anupriya Patel and LJP leader Pashupati Paras also attended the meeting.

Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu held a meeting of floor leaders of different political parties on Saturday. The Rajya Sabha Chairman urged Parliamentarians to stand by the people in the light of the situation caused by COVID and discuss all related issues. 

Naidu stressed that a dysfunctional Parliament adds to the prevailing gloom and hence, all sections of the House should ensure a smooth and productive session to address the concerns of the people affected by Covid. He further said that the second wave sprang several surprises and severely tested the health infrastructure in the country.

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikharjuna Kharge proposed issues of broader concerns for discussion in the House. These include Covid situation, ongoing farmers’ agitation, issues relating to cooperative federalism, China’s actions along the border. In all, leaders of 20 parties spoke in the meeting and made various suggestions. In his opening remarks, 

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi informed that the Government has identified 29 Bills including 6 Ordinance replacing Bills and two items of financial business for the session. He sought the cooperation of all parties for enabling a smooth session