PM Modi reaches out to oppositions; seeks cooperation for smooth functioning of Parliament

Keeping in mind the volatile Budget Session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reached out to all the opposition parties and sought cooperation for the smooth functioning of both the Houses during Monsoon Session, scheduled to begin on July 18.

Addressing the all-party meeting, the prime minister asked opposition leaders to raise issues of public importance in the larger interest of the country. While leaders from different opposition parties voiced their respective concerns during the meet, the Centre following the interaction claimed that opposition had assured of smooth functioning of Parliament.

The issues raised by the opposition leaders include the SC/ST reservation in the higher education system, growing instances of mob-lynching and the recent altercation between the Centre and the AAP government in the national capital.

"We will not allow the House to function till an assurance is given by the government on the floor of the House on the reservation to SCs and STs in higher education,” Samajwadi Party's Ram Gopal Yadav claimed.

Read | Women’s Reservation Bill: Rahul Gandhi offers 'unconditional support' to Modi

Accusing the Centre of alleged discrimination against Delhi government AAP leader Sanjay Singh said, "In the all-party meet chaired by PM, I raised the point of Delhi Govt being not allowed to work. After hearing everyone’s issues PM said all issues will be addressed on the floor of the house in the monsoon session".

While Congress's Mallikarjun Kharge and Tariq Anwar dashed a letter to Lok Sabha speaker saying, "Opposition has been very decent and dignified in its conduct which is verifiable from records of the House. It's the ruling party which is denigrating Constitution and lowering the dignity of the House and Chair".

Parliamentary Affairs minister Ananth Kumar, on the other hand, briefed the media about the all-party meeting and said, "The prime minister today sought the cooperation of all political parties for the smooth functioning of Parliament and a productive session".

"The entire country expects and hopes the Parliament will function and debate over issues of national interest," he added.

"The government will leave no stone unturned to facilitate smooth functioning of Parliament during the ensuing Monsoon Session," the minister claimed, adding that there was a cordial atmosphere in the meeting.

Read | President summons Rajya Sabha for Monsoon session on July 18

Meanwhile, PM Modi and other party members reached the Parliament library building for the BJP Parliamentary Party executive meeting this afternoon. The NDA meeting is currently underway.

Earlier on Monday, leaders of all opposition parties met to discuss several key issues and formulate strategies to fill the vacant post of Rajya Sabha deputy chairman. The oppositions also agreed upon bringing a vote of no confidence and are expected to demand the special status for Andhra Pradesh.

Those present at the meeting included leaders from the Congress, NCP, TMC, BSP, SP, RJD, DMK, CPI(M), CPI, JD(S), RSP, IUML and KC-M, among others.