Pranab holds meeting with BJP leaders ahead of monsoon session

New Delhi, Aug 1: Leader of the House in Lok Sabha Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday, Jul 31 met Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj and NDA Working President L K Advani to discuss smooth functioning of the Lower House in the monsoon session beginning on Monday, Aug 1.

Mukherjee met Advani at the latter's residence this morning. Swaraj was also present on the occasion but her counterpart in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley could not make it as he is in Bangalore to handle the situation in Karnataka in the wake of the resignation of Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa.

Sources said Mukherjee assured the BJP top brass that the government is ready for debate on any issue that the opposition wants. He urged the opposition to be reasonable and allow the House to function instead of causing frequent walkouts and disruptions over various issues.

The government has suggested that the best way to get across one's point of view is through debates and not adjournments.

Advani and Swaraj want the government to agree to hold discussions with voting on two important issues -- price rise and corruption.

"We want that the discussion on price rise and corruption be held under Rule 184 in Lok Sabha and 167 in Rajya Sabha. This would entail voting on the motion. However, the government is not in agreement," a senior party leader said.

PTI