Opposition wants 'disturbance not discussion': Jaitley

Says Sushma Swaraj would be present for discussion, Swaraj confirms in twitter

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said that the Opposition is least interested in discussions on crucial issues during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, adding that they are more keen to create disturbances.

"All that the Opposition wants is to not let the session run. They say they want to discuss but do not take part in the discussion. Central ministers can be in the discussion. But the Opposition only want disturbance, not discussion. We offered to adjourn the session until after lunch. However, the government is publicly declaring that we are ready for a discussion at any time," said Jaitley.

"Some opposition leaders said that they want a discussion on the role of External Affairs Minister. The rules are clear on this front. The government has placed on record that a request for discussion on Sushma Swaraj can be placed. Clearly, the opposition is not ready for discussion," he said.

"I also said that Sushmaji will be present during the discussions. We proposed that she will join the discussion and put across her stand, but it is clear that the opposition doesn't want a discussion. We had said that a discussion could be held and that Sushmaji can begin the discussion or give explanation at the end. But even that is not acceptable to the opposition," he added.

Swaraj confirmed that she would be present for a discussion through her twitter handle....
 

... and also confirmed that she had asked Jaithley convey this to the house.