This Article is From Nov 24, 2014

Opposition Unites Over Black money, Passage of Key Bills in Rajya Sabha

Opposition Unites Over Black money, Passage of Key Bills in Rajya Sabha

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu, however, has downplayed the Opposition move, expressing hope that the parties would understand the "mood of the nation".

New Delhi: The Opposition parties have decided to show a united front in Parliament tomorrow to corner the ruling NDA on the issue of repatriation of black money and block the key legislations. The Trinamool Congress and the JD(U) have already given a notice for the suspension of the Question Hour in Rajya Sabha to discuss the black money issue.

The Opposition move comes despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reminder that "all MPs have a responsibility to run the country" and his hope that the "Opposition would continue to play a "constructive role".

"Black money was one of the key poll planks in the Lok Sabha elections on which the BJP won, but the government has done nothing on this count since it came to power. We want a threadbare discussion on this," said JD(U) leader KC Tyagi, who gave the notice for discussion to Rajya Sabha on his party's behalf.

After the Sunday's all-party meeting, he had warned that this session "will witness a lot of hungama (chaos)".

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, who is already on the warpath against the BJP, has declared that she would "politically retaliate" against her party being dragged into the Saradha scam.

Today, party MP Sudip Bandopadhyay said unless they get "satisfactory answers" on the black money issue, they would not "allow Parliament to function".

The Opposition, in fact, is putting up a concerted effort to create hurdles for the key legislations in the Upper House, where the NDA does not have a majority.

The Left parties, TMC, JD(U), RJD and the Samajwadi Party have decided to make a common cause against the insurance bill. The Congress, whose support has been sought, is, however, ambivalent.

Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said the party would first prefer to see the amendments proposed by the government.

BSP chief Mayawati has said her party would not oppose the bill if their suggestions have been factored in.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu, however, has downplayed the Opposition move, expressing hope that the parties would understand the "mood of the nation" and chart their course accordingly. "Investment, revival of the economy and improving the economic condition of the people are priority," he said.
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