Manmohan appeals to Opposition not to disrupt Parliament

Appealing to the Opposition to allow smooth functioning of Parliament during the Budget session, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said all issues agitating them can be debated on the floor of the House.

“The Government is ready to discuss all issues in Parliament and I, therefore, appeal to the Opposition not to have any disruption of Parliamentary proceedings.

“Parliament is a forum for debate and the Government is ready for it,” Mr. Singh said as he arrived in Parliament for the start of the Budget session.

Talking to reporters, Mr. Singh said, “We seek the Opposition’s cooperation in the smooth running of this important session which will be devoted to the passage of the Budget both the general budget and the railway budget.“

Asking the Opposition members to cooperate with the Government, he said, “All issues which agitate the mind of the Opposition can be debated” in Parliament.

He parried questions on measures the government would adopt with regard to the new fertiliser policy.