PM hopes Parliament will function smoothly

Terming possible disruptions of Parliamentary proceedings over the Telangana issue as "hiccups", Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today hoped that all sections will have the wisdom to set aside "prejudices" to ensure harmonious working of the House.

"Well I think these are hiccups. I hope all sections of the House will have the wisdom to set aside these prejudices and create an atmosphere conducive to harmonious working of the House," Singh told reporters outside Parliament House on the opening day of phase II of Winter session.

He was asked to respond on reported plans by some of Congress MPs to bring a no-confidence motion against government to protest division of Andhra Pradesh.

He said there are important pieces of legislation ready for approval by Parliament and "I sincerely hope that Parliament will create an environment in which all sections of the House can work together to pass these bills."

As this would probably be the last session of the 15th lok Sabha, he said it will be his "sincere appeal to all sections of the House to contribute to creating a feeling and atmosphere whereby this session will go down in history as a historic session."

Government has listed several bills which it seeks to pass during the session which will end on February 21.

Besides the interim budget, government wants to pass the Telangana Bill as well as some anti-corruption legislations.