Opposition wants discussion on JNU in Rajya Sabha, government agrees

New Delhi, Feb 20: The Opposition has demanded a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the situation in universities across the country, including JNU, and the government has agreed to it. “All parties agreed that the house should work smoothly and important legislations should be passed and the government has agreed that the discussion opposition parties have demanded, whether it is the JNU issue or the farmers’ issue, we will take it up,” Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas qvi told.

He said Prime Minister rendra Modi expressed the hope that the house would function smoothly. The meeting was called by Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari, who discussed with leaders of various parties the modalities of the functioning of the upper house ahead of the budget session that starts on Tuesday. The Rajya Sabha chairman called upon the parties to ensure that the house functions smoothly. “Time has come to assure the public that parliamentary democracy does work and is sensitive to the needs of the people,” Ansari said. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister rendra Modi, Fince Minister Arun Jaitley, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam bi Azad, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha P.J. Kurien, Mukhtar Abbas qvi and leaders from different political parties including Trimool Congress, JD-U, CPI, CPI-M, RJD, SAD and NCP. Leader of the House Arun Jaitley assured that the government was open to discussion on all issues. He said the first part of the budget session should be devoted towards passing urgent bills besides the budget. Azad, meanwhile, demanded a discussion on the prevailing situation in universities including JNU and the University of Hyderabad. (IANS)