Amid ongoing verbal exchanges between the ruling BJP and its political rivals on demonetisation, the Government on Wednesday reached out to the Opposition with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar holding talks with leaders of the Congress and the TMC. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be present in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. But the Opposition is demanding that the PM should also respond to questions raised during the discussion in the House.
According to sources, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister spoke to several leaders on Wednesday, including Congress’ Mallikarjun Kharge and TMC’s Sudeep Bandopadhyay. Kumar and some other leaders of the NDA will continue deliberations with floor leaders of various political parties on Thursday.
“Nothing has been achieved by holding up the Parliament proceedings. Everybody feels that there should be action against black money. The Opposition parties’ apprehensions are about only the implementation of demonetisation, we have been saying that we are ready to listen to their concerns.
I have again requested them to start discussion where they can express their view points on this issue, which government will listen and consider,” Kumar said.
Earlier lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan had called a meeting of leaders of political parties to break the impasse after she was again forced to adjourn the House for the day.
The Government moved in to salvage the situation against the backdrop of continued stalling of both the Houses of Parliament by the Opposition, which is demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence and participation in the debate on demonetisation.
Modi, who attended the lok Sabha on Wednesday, may be present in the Rajya Sabha Thursday. Kumar added that he has requested political parties to see the “writing on the wall” and start discussion on the issue. “I requested them that they can themselves see that public is in favour of this move. Rather than holding up the proceedings, it should be allowed to run smoothly,” said the Minister.