Govt reaches out to opposition parties for peace

​New Delhi: As Parliament remained paralyzed for the 14th consecutive day, the government on Thursday decided to reach out to the opposition parties to ensure smooth functioning so that the pending bills get passed in both the Houses.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel, who has been assigned the task to talking to opposition leaders, met Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad for a brief discussion. He will again meet him to discuss the issues in detail. The Minister said he would also meet leaders of the TDP, AIADMK, TRS and other parties. 

"Only nine working days are left now after 14 wasted days. I request the opposition parties to ensure passage of important bills in both Houses. I am hopeful the opposition will cooperate," Goel said. "The government is in regular touch with the opposition leaders and I will meet them personally to ensure the smooth functioning of the Parliament," he told reporters.

The Minister said the government was ready to discuss each and every issue concerning the political parties, including no-confidence motion against the government. "In fact, the opposition is running away fromdiscussion. We are ready to discuss even the no-confidence motion. We have adequate numbers in the House."