PM Modi reaches out to opposition: Says it is responsibility of all to run Parliament
"The government has to take initiative and responsibility to run Parliament, but this responsibility has to be shared by all. Parliament has a major significance and it should be utilised to discuss all issues. The government is ready to discuss all issues," Modi told leaders of all parties.
The all-party meet was convened by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu.
Modi's appeal to the opposition comes amid a raging controversy over the Lalit Modi issue that has sucked into the vortex two BJP heavyweights- External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.
The BJP and the Centre are also on the defensive in the Vyapam scam in Madhya Pradesh that has left on its trail many mysterious deaths putting Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan under a scathing criticism.
The Modi government is also anxious about getting safe passage for many key bills.
Even though it is very unlikely that Parliament will take up Land Bill as the Joint Parliamentary Panel is yet to submit its report, Modi said, "We should move forward on Land Bill."
Meanhile, the BJP has decided to give total support to its leaders who are embroiled in the multi-crore Vyapam scam and Lalit Modi row.
Media reports said the BJP and the government are ready to discuss all controversial issues with the Opposition but they should also be ready for discussion.
On Sunday, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his Rajasthan counterpart Vasundhara Raje met senior party leaders and presented all facts, so that party can defend.
Modi's move is also an effort to battle it out on crucial legislations that the government is determined to push through in the face of fierce opposition.
At stake are several crucial legislations -- including the Goods and Services Tax bill and the land bill -- which have to be passed by the Upper House, Rajya Sabha, where the ruling NDA lacks majority.
On Sunday, the BJP held a series of meetings to finalise strategy to counter the expected Congress offensive on Vyapam scam and the Lalit Modi controversy-the two burning issues the main opposition party has made their weapon.
Reports said one of the meetings was held at the Prime Minister's residence where senior leaders and ministers including Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and others were present.
Another meeting was held at the residence of party chief Amit Shah.
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