Expecting firework during winter session, Centre convenes all-party meet today

Expecting firework during the winter session of Parliament beginning tomorrow, with the opposition planning to put the government in dock over several issues, including the demonetisation policy, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre has convened an all-party meeting on Tuesday to seek cooperation of leaders to ensure smooth functioning of both Houses.

During the month-long session of Parliament, the Congress has sought suspension of business on day one to discuss the demonetisation issue.

Leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said Congress MPs would raise the demonetisation issue under rules 56 and 193 during the Winter Session.

Deputy leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma has already given a notice for the suspension of business under rule 267 of the Rajya Sabha for a discussion on the same issue, while leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad has given a notice under rule 267 for discussion on the issue of Kashmir unrest.

On Monday, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan had held a meeting with floor leaders of all parties to discuss ways to ensure smooth functioning of the House.

Expressing hope that there will be a healthy discussion on various issues during the winter session, Mahajan said members of various parties have demanded a discussion on several issues, including demonetisation of high value notes.