With an aim of ensuring a smooth sail of the Budget

session, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar held a meeting with leaders of all political parties today. After the meeting, the Prime Minister said he hoped that all political parties will join hands to find productive, constructive solutions to the formidable challenges facing the nation. "Parliament is the forum for discussions or dialogue and all parties have an obligation to ensure that parliament runs smoothly. I am hopeful and confident that this session is going to be a fruitful session," he told reporters. Noting that all parties have an obligation to ensure that Parliament runs smoothly, Singh said, "I am hopeful and confident that this is going to be a fruitful session." Swaraj said parties want discussion on several issues including VVIP chopper scam, Indo-Pak ties in the backdrop of beheading of two Indian soldiers, situation in Maldives, attempts by China to encircle India, severe drought in Maharashtra and plight of farmers due to hailstorm in Madhya Pradesh as also the burden of rising prices on the common man. Hours later, NDA convenor Sharad Yadav said, "There are several challenges facing the country. The helicopter scam will certainly be raised. Some other scams were left halfway. We will try to raise them too." On the controversial chopper deal, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said the government is willing for any type of inquiry for which there was a political consensus. "I have told all political parties that the government is willing to have any type of inquiry for which there is political consensus on the helicopter issue because this is not just an issue concerning corruption. This is an investigation carried out overseas which is a slur on India," Nath said.