'NDA united to ensure smooth winter session'

Members of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Wednesday expressed unity in ensuring the that the winter session of parliament beginning on Thursday functions smoothly.

"The tone of the meeting was that the NDA is united in ensuring sooth functioning of parliament in the winter session," a senior minister told IANS after NDA partners' meet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was held at his official 7, Race Course Road residence.

"The members agreed to coordinate with opposition parties as well to execute maximum work during the session," the minister added.

The NDA members also supported the Bharatiya Janata Party for "countering the intolerance agenda", a BJP leader said.

The meet was also attended by party veteran L.K. Advani, BJP president Amit Shah, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj along with other leaders.

The nearly a month long session starts Friday and will end on December 23.

Several economic reform bills are on government agenda, with the bill to implement Goods and Services Tax being in the priority list.