The legislation is in the interest of the nation, says the Prime Minister

Appealing to the Opposition for its cooperation ahead of the winter session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday made a strong pitch for early passage of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Mr. Modi, who made a brief appearance at the all-party meeting hosted by Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu, assured the Opposition leaders that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will address their concerns, if any, on the key reform measure.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the all party meeting that GST legislation is in the interest of nation and the Finance Minister will speak to parties concerned to address their doubts on it,” Mr. Naidu said after the meeting.

Winter session of Parliament beginning tomorrow is set to be stormy with Opposition parties closing ranks to target the government on a range of issues.

Opposition chalks out strategy

Amid indications of a tough session ahead, senior Ministers on Tuesday huddled to chalk out the strategy and work out floor coordination plans while parties like the Congress, JDU and CPI(M) made their intent clear, deciding to give notices for debate on the issue of intolerance and attacking the government on the key reform measure of GST.

NDA Ministers discussed legislative proposals to be brought before consideration of both the Houses of Parliament which include three Bills relating to replacement of Ordinances, GST Bill, Real Estate Regulation Bill etc.

The Ministers also discussed recent incidents like > Dadri lynching, > rationalist Kalburgi’s killing and some other ones based on which a campaign alleging the rising levels of intolerance is on.