Reforms bill in trouble as Oppn planning to stall these

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Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Nov 24 2014 | 6:31 PM IST
Key reforms legislations, like the bills on insurance, GST and labour, are in for trouble as opposition parties were today trying to join forces to create hurdles for these in Parliament, which will have its first working day tomorrow.
Opposition parties like Trinamool Congress and JD-U are also seeking to corner the government on the issue of black money as they gave notice for suspension of Question Hour in Rajya Sabha tomorrow to discuss this issue.
The opposition is likely to create hurdles in the passage of key legislations in the Upper House, including the labour reform bill, that has been listed for consideration and passage tomorrow.
The Winter session started today but no work was transacted as both Houses were adjourned after paying tributes to sitting members who have passed away recently.
Keeping government on tenterhooks, Congress said there is "no blank cheque" on support to Insurance Bill and Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill as "devil lies in the details".
Party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said GST is "entirely a Congress baby" and in principle it has "no reason to jettison" it. However, it is "subject to nitty gritty" as his party is not aware whether the bill is brought in the same form as was done by the UPA, he added.
About the Insurance Bill that provides for raising FDI cap to 49 per cent from 26 per cent, Singhvi remained non-committal, saying "it is dangerous to speak in abstract".
To a specific question on whether the Congress will accept the recommendations of the Select Committee of Rajya Sabha which is examining the Insurance Bill, he said, "Parliamentary panel reports are not binding on Parliament, either the ruling party or the Opposition. Parliament is supreme."
JD(U) and Trinamool are also opposing and trying to forge unity on the issue.
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First Published: Nov 24 2014 | 6:31 PM IST