Parliament session set to be stormy; Opposition to raise 'intolerance'

New Delhi: The Winter session of Parliament beginning on Thursday is expected to be a stormy affair, with the opposition set to raise the 'intolerance' issue and press for a resolution to condemn it even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the House should run meaningfully and constructively.

Keen to pass key reform bills like GST and ensure a smooth session, government on Wednesday reached out to opposition parties saying it "does not support or condone" such incidents and is aware of their concerns on "unfortunate incidens like Dadri and killing of M M Kalburgi".

An all-party meeting held here in the backdrop of cine actor Aamir Khan's remarks on 'intolerance' saw opposition parties making a strong pitch for an early discussion on the issue, insisting that the returning of awards by writers, artistes and filmmakers should not be taken lightly.

Assuring the members on this count, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said, "Government is ready to discuss all issues including that of the so-called intolerance though it falls in the domain of states. We do not support or condone such incidents."

"The government is particularly aware of the Opposition's concerns over some unfortunate incidents that have happened in recent weeks including the Dadri incident, killing of MM Kalburgi. The government has condemned those incidents as they go against the traditional and highly cherished values of tolerance," he said.

He noted that the Prime Minister has already said that such incidents are sad, undesirable and unfortunate.

"We are wise enough to appreciate that development is possible only in an atmosphere of peace and harmony. We have a vested interest in pursuing the case of development beyond considerations of caste, creed, religion and hence, do not condone such incidents," said Naidu who hosted the meeting.

Modi, who attended the meeting briefly, said Parliament should run meaningfully and constructively to fulfill the people's expectations. Modi assured the Opposition leaders that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will talk to them to address their concerns, if any, on the key reform measure.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the all party meeting that Goods and Services Tax (GST) legislation is in the interest of nation and the Finance Minister will speak to parties concerned to address their doubts on it," Naidu said.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who was in Bengaluru, said, "We are going to raise the issue of intolerance. What is happening in the country is disturbing and the Prime Minister is silent."

CPI-M General Secreatry Sitaram Yechury said he has given a notice in Rajya Sabha seeking passage of a one-line resolution by the House condemning the incidents of "intolerance" and asking the government to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.

"We may have political differences but that should not come in the way of serving the cause of the people and making Parliament an effective instrument in enabling the development of our country," the Parliamentary Affairs Minister said.

JDU has said it will raise all the issues ranging from 'Ghar Wapasi', Dadri lynching to other incidents of similar nature showing 'rise in intolerance' in the 18 months of the NDA government.

The party has been repeatedly saying that the Prime Minister should signal his intent to act against people spreading the "venom" by removing five Union ministers, who made one or the other "provocative" remarks.

Party chief Sharad Yadav said a resolution should be passed in the House condemning the incidents related to 'intolerance'. "The entire society is restless," he said.

Yadav backed actor Aamir Khan over his intolerance remarks and asked the government not be be dismissive of his views. "What he has said is totally justified. The party in power should be tolerant and listen to these voices," he said.

SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav said, "People may voice their opinion if they are hurt" but insisted that the democratic set up in India is the best, where everybody gets complete chance to voice their opinion. "So this is not an issue," he said.

Sources in the Congress said among those who may face the ire of the party include Union Minister V K Singh over his "dog" comment over the killing of two young children from a Dalit family in Haryana.

The meeting saw leaders of various political parties expressing their desire to raise several other issues including drought and heavy rains in different parts of the country and the rising prices of essential commodities.

Naidu said a number of regional party leaders felt that they do not get adequate time to discuss the problems of their states in Parliament and hence the sessions should be productive. "The spirit of suggestions and discussion during the meeting gives me hope that the coming Winter session will be a productive one," he said.

The first two days of the session will be devoted to

"Discussion on Committment to India's Constitution as part of the 125th birth anniversary celebration of B R Ambedkar".

Hence on these two days, there will be no Question Hour, Zero Hour or any other legislative business.