Budget Session: Govt. asks Opposition to adopt positive approach

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Monday asked the Opposition to adopt a positive approach for the upcoming Budget Session.

"The Budget Session is very important. The Opposition must adopt a positive approach. Even we are worried on the issues that you are worried. The matters of the JNU and Rohith Vemula are serious and there should be a thorough discussion on them in the Parliament," Naidu said in an all-party meeting held at the Parliament.

"Every time people think and hope that this session will be productive, so we need to work towards that. The GST and Real Estate are the two key reform bills which we need to pass. We are ready to discuss all issues," he added.

Naidu further stated the government wants a detailed discussion on the JNU row, adding that the people should know what really happened there, what was the cause and what will be the consequence of the act.

He also asserted that the government is firmly committed to uphold the spirit of the Constitution in letter and spirit, adding that they are in favour of discussion on Hyderabad University student Rohith Vemula's suicide and the Jat quota stir.

Leaders from various political parties, including Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, Jyotiraditya Scindia, CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI (M) politburo member Mohammed Salim besides others are present in the meeting.

The Budget Session will begin on February 23. While the first session will continue till March 16, the second session will take place from April 25 to May 13.

President Pranab Mukherjee will address the joint session of the Parliament on February 23. The Railway Budget will be presented on February 25 while the Union Budget will be presented on February 29.

The government has been critical of the Opposition for blocking the House proceedings and important legislations.