Keen to pass key reform bills like GST and ensure a smooth session, government today reached out to opposition parties saying it "does not support or condone" such incidents and is aware of their concerns on "unfortunate incidens like Dadri and killing of M M Kalburgi".
An all-party meeting held here in the backdrop of cine actor Aamir Khan's remarks on 'intolerance' saw opposition parties making a strong pitch for an early discussion on the issue, insisting that the returning of awards by writers, artistes and filmmakers should not be taken lightly.
"The government is particularly aware of the Opposition's concerns over some unfortunate incidents that have happened in recent weeks including the Dadri incident, killing of MM Kalburgi. The government has condemned those incidents as they go against the traditional and highly cherished values of tolerance," he said.
He noted that the Prime Minister has already said that such incidents are sad, undesirable and unfortunate.
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Modi, who attended the meeting briefly, said Parliament should run meaningfully and constructively to fulfill the people's expectations.
Modi assured the Opposition leaders that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will talk to them to address their concerns, if any, on the key reform measure.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the all party meeting that Goods and Services Tax (GST) legislation is in the interest of nation and the Finance Minister will speak to parties concerned to address their doubts on it," Naidu said.
"That notice has been accepted by the Chair. We want the
resolution to be passed. Government says it is ready to accept a resolution to acceptable to all," Yechury said.
Naidu, however, steered clear of questions on this issue while claiming that the tone and tenor of discussion in the all-party meeting gave a sense that there is a "collective and positive mood" to see the House function smoothly.
The Winter session, which ends on December 23, will have 38 legislative items including seven new bills for introduction during its 20 sittings spread across 28 days.
Government treats 24 of these items as under the priority category, which include GST bill, three bills related to replacement of Ordinances and Real Estate Regulation Bill.
Urging Opposition to enable passage of these bills, Naidu said, "GST Bill is significant for giving a push to economic activity through overhaul of a variety of taxes and enabling the emergence of a single national market in the country.
Holding that economic development is a work in progress irrespective of the party in power and is a collective endeavor, he said besides the GST, a few other bills pending before Parliament relate to ease of doing business.
He also noted that investors from India and abroad have been voicing concerns over hurdles and delays in allowing business and investment activities.
Significantly, the JD(U) president Sharad Yadav announced support to the measure after the all-party meet.
He regretted that such talks have not been held despite repeated pleas for the same by the Left parties.
With the last Session getting washed out, Naidu said, "we need to leave memories of Monsoon session behind and together move forward."
As most of the Opposition parties are keen to raise the issue of "intolerance", Naidu said though the government does not agree with this perception of rising intolerance, "we are willing to go along with Opposition in this regard for a discussion in an appropriate manner, if you desire."
come in the way of serving the cause of the people and making Parliament an effective instrument in enabling the development of our country," the Parliamentary Affairs Minister said.
JDU has said it will raise all the issues ranging from 'Ghar Wapasi', Dadri lynching to other incidents of similar nature showing 'rise in intolerance' in the 18 months of the NDA government.
The party has been repeatedly saying that the Prime Minister should signal his intent to act against people spreading the "venom" by removing five Union ministers, who made one or the other "provocative" remarks.
Yadav backed actor Aamir Khan over his intolerance remarks and asked the government not be be dismissive of his views.
"What he has said is totally justified. The party in power should be tolerant and listen to these voices," he said.
SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav said, "people may voice their opinion if they are hurt" but insisted that the democratic set up in India is the best, where everybody gets complete chance to voice their opinion. "So this is not an issue," he said.
The meeting saw leaders of various political parties expressing their desire to raise several other issues including drought and heavy rains in different parts of the country and the rising prices of essential commodities.
Naidu said a number of regional party leaders felt that they do not get adequate time to discuss the problems of their states in Parliament and hence the sessions should be productive. "The spirit of suggestions and discussion during the meeting gives me hope that the coming Winter session will be a productive one," he said.
The first two days of the session will be devoted to "Discussion on Committment to India's Constitution as part of the 125th birth anniversary celebration of B R Ambedkar". Hence on these two days, there will be no Question Hour, Zero Hour or any other legislative business.