Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday appealed to the leaders of the Opposition parties to cooperate in the smooth functioning of the winter session of Parliament. He urged the members of the house to solve the problems of the public through collective thinking and said enough opportunities will be given to each member to present their opinion.
Taking to Twitter, the Lok Sabha Speaker wrote, "Winter Session of the Lok Sabha will start from today. It is hoped that cooperation of all parties will be received in the orderly functioning of the House. Honorable members will try to solve the problems of the public through collective thinking. It will also be my endeavor that the members get enough opportunities to present their opinion."
The proceedings of the winter session of Parliament on Wednesday, December 7, is expected to be dominated by issues such as the border situation with China, alleged misuse of government agencies, price rise and unemployment.
Rahul Gandhi and several senior Congress leaders who are undertaking the Bharat Jodo Yatra are unlikely to attend the session, reported news agency PTI.
Earlier on Tuesday, leaders from more than 30 parties attended a meeting convened by the central government to discuss the legislative agenda and the issues likely to be taken up during the session.
The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister and deputy leader of Lok Sabha Rajnath Singh, was to seek cooperation from all parties for the smooth functioning of Parliament.
Leader of House in Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi were also present.
During the meeting, Joshi spelt out the government's legislative agenda for the session and sought the opposition's cooperation for the passage of bills, reported PTI.
He concluded the meeting saying he has taken note of all the issues raised by political parties and the discussions will be held as per the norms and procedures of Parliament.
(With agency inputs)