Govt bid to reach out to opposition ahead of Parliament session

New Delhi, Feb 22: On the eve of the Budget session of Parliament, government today reached out to the opposition for cooperation saying it is willing to discuss resolution of any issue to ensure a productive session.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu met Congress President Sonia Gandhi here this morning in an apparent attempt to seek cooperation of the largest opposition party which the government will require particularly in the Rajya Sabha for conversion of Ordinances into Acts. He described the meeting as "good".

Later, he hosted a meeting of leaders of all parties in both Houses of Parliament and emphasised the need for a spirit of mutual cooperation during the Budget session beginning tomorrow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also joined the meeting.

"The government is always willing to sit with opposition to resolve differences on any issue... A spirit of mutual cooperation is required to ensure productive budget session," he said.

Referring to the controversy over Land Acquisition Ordinance, he said the issue needs to be addressed "sincerely" without politicisation.

"We are aware that land acquisition is an emotive issue as it concerns farmers. We need to address this issue sincerely without undue politicisation," the Minister said.

His comments came as Congress prepared to launch an agitation over the issue with its Vice President Rahul Gandhi slated to lead a demonstration here.

PTI