Dialogue, discussion essential part of democracy: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that dialogue and discussion are an essential part of democracy and added that he was hopeful of a positive outcome of the upcoming Budget Session.

"In a democracy, there should be dialogue, discussion and a positive outcome. The Budget Session is commencing with this determination. I am hopeful that the Budget Session will function in a positive environment and everyone will work in the direction to do something good," Prime Minister Modi said.

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"The Parliament is a temple of democracy and, therefore, dialogue and discussion are essential part of it. Yesterday, I met leaders of other political parties and heard their opinions on various issues. Our efforts will be to work for the nation's benefit. Each issue will be discussed in depth," he added.

Earlier in the day, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said that he has sought the Congress' cooperation for smooth functioning of the Parliament ahead of the Budget Session.

"I apprised the Congress president of the need to allow the Parliament to function and sought the cooperation of Congress. The Congress president told me that they are also interested in allowing the Parliament to function but they have some issues they would want to raise," he said.

Naidu further said that the government is willing to discuss any issue raised by the opposition.

The Budget Session contains 44 items of financial, legislative and non-legislative business.