"Let us discuss and fight this black money menace": Ananth Kumar tells Oppn

Reminding the opposition parties of their cooperation in the passage of the Constitution Amendment Bill on the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Ananth Kumar urged all to come on board in the fight against corruption, black money and cross border terrorism.

"The honourable Prime Minister has requested all political parties to cooperate and participate in this crusade against corruption, black money and fake note," Kumar said.

Expressing optimism of a fruitful Winter Session of Parliament, Kumar said that the government was ready for discussion on any issue concerning national interest.

"Therefore, we are ready for any discussion inside both the houses. Let us discuss and we all should together fight this menace of black money," Kumar said.

"Make it a win win situation. India is fighting against black money, corruption, fake currency. Come and participate to send this unity message," he added.

The month-long Winter Session of the Parliament beginning today is expected to be a stormy one with opposition parties determined to corner the government on several issues including demonetisation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that he was optimistic of a positive Winter Session and reached out to all political parties while stating that the government was ready for any debate.

"In the last session an important bill like the GST was passed, it was a big step. I had thanked all parties then. In the Winter Session, a very positive discussion will happen and on all issues with contribution of all parties," said Prime Minister Modi outside the Parliament.

"Our government believes in discussing all issues and we are ready to debate on any topic," he added.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Modi exhorted all the opposition parties to cooperate and extend support to the government's crusade against black money and corruption.

The Prime Minister also urged the opposition parties to put forth their arguments in a fruitful manner in order to ensure smooth passage of business during the session.

He further reminded the opposition parties that they were cooperative during the passage of the GST and requested them for cooperation both inside and outside the house with regard to the government's crusade against corruption, black money and fake currency which are affecting the common man.

The Prime Minister further called on the opposition parties, during the all-party meet, to come out with a solution with regard to conducting simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections and the state government's role in funding elections.

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, earlier on Sunday said that the Congress MPs would raise the demonetisation issue under Rules 56 and 193 during the Winter Session.

Deputy Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Anand Sharma, has already given a notice for the suspension of business under Rule 267 of the Upper House for a discussion on the same issue.

Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, has also given a notice under Rule 267 for discussion on the issue of Kashmir unrest.