2nd Leg Of Budget Session Begins Today

Govt says priority to pass Finance Bill, Cong bats for Oppn unity

NEW DELHI: The second leg of the Budget session will commence on Monday with the government asserting that its priority is to pass the Finance Bill and the Opposition planning to raise issues like the action of central agencies against the BJP’s political rivals and allegations against the Adani group.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge asserted that they want to play a constructive role in making the government accountable and sought a discussion in the House on “every burning issue facing the nation”.

Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar sought views of leaders of various political parties on ways to curb disruptions in the House at a meeting held on Sunday.

Opposition members raised the issue of alleged misuse of central agencies against non-BJP governments and the move to appoint Dhankhar’s personal staff on parliamentary committees.

Manickam Tagore, Congress Whip in Lok Sabha, said that his party wants the Opposition to take a united stand.

“We will continue to raise people’s issues - price rise, LPG cost, Adani, misuse of agencies, farmers issues, governors’ intervention. We will continue to work with all like-minded parties. Tomorrow’s meeting is called for the purpose as we want the Opposition to be united.”

Congress leader K Suresh maintained that his party would continue to demand answers from the government on the Adani-Hindenburg issue as it has been keeping a studied silence.