PM asks all parties to move forward on Land bill
By ANDALIB AKHTER /
Despite Prime minister Narendara Modi reconciliatory approach, Opposition parties are adamant on raising the issue of Vyapam scam, Lalit Modi controversy and demand of resignation Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan Chief Ministers during the Monsoon Session beginning tomorrow. At the meeting of leaders of all parties, opposition leaders said that the government had promised a corruption-free and transparent governance but now it seems to have taken a U-turn.
In the meting Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the government was willing to take all positive suggestions from opposition parties during the Monsoon Session. PM said it was the collective responsibility of all the parties to ensure smooth functioning of Parliament. Mr Modi also told the leaders that the Government has to take initiative and responsibility to run Parliament, but this responsibility has to be shared by all.
Talking to media after the meet, Minister of state for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Pratap Rudy quoted Mr Modi as saying that all party leaders should move forward on Land acquisition bill. The Meeting was convened by Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu to discuss the agenda for the Session.
JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav said, the Land Bill in its present form is not acceptable to his party. He said, JD (U) wants discussion on every issue concerning the people. Mr Yadav also disapproved of Congress’ stand that if the External Affairs Minister and the Rajasthan Chief Minister do not resign then it will not allow Parliament to run. Mr Yadav said, discussion should take place on the Vyapam Scam and Lalit Modi controversy but these two issue should not become a tool of disruption.
Ram Gopal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party said expressed apprehension that in view of tough stand taken by the Opposition on Vyapam and Lalit Modi episodes, both the Houses may not be able to function properly.
On Land Acquisition Bill, Mr Yadav said, his party is not satisfied with the amendments brought out by the government and if the government comes out with positive changes then there can be some good response.
On the other hand, Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress said, his party would raise the issue of Vyapam scam and Lalit Modi controversy and demand the resignation Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister for inaction in Vyapam case and the External Affairs Minister and the Rajasthan Chief Minister for helping out former IPL Chief Lalit Modi. He said, the government had promised a corruption-free and transparent governance but now it seems to have taken a U-turn.
Later, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu ruled out the resignations of the External Affairs Minister and the Chief minister of Rajasthan and Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. Mr Naidu said, the government is ready to discuss every issue on the floor of the House. He expressed hope that the opposition will cooperate with the government in ensuring the smooth functioning of the two houses.
The meeting was attended by Ghulam Nabi Azad of Congress, Ram Gopal Yadav of Samajwadi Party, Sharad Yadav of JD(U), Satish Mishra of BSP and Sitaram Yechury of CPI(M) among others.