New Delhi, Nov 25: Appealing to the Opposition for cooperation on the eve of the winter session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday made a strong pitch for early passage of the GST, saying it will be in the interest of the nation.
Modi, who made a brief appearance at the all-party meeting hosted by Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, assured the Opposition leaders that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will talk to them to address their concerns, if any, on the key reform measure.
Modi also said Parliament should run meaningfuly with the cooperation of all so as to fulfil the expectations of the people.
Significantly, the JD(U) also backed the GST with party president Sharad Yadav announcing support of his party to the measure after the all-party meeting.
CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury, however, said that the Centre should hold talks with states on the issue of GST in view of the fact that they will lose all legislative power on tax matters once GST comes into force.
He regretted that such talks have not been held despite repeated pleas for the same by the Left parties.
The Prime Minister also said that Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, who has held talks with leaders of various parties, may talk to them further on the issue of India’s stand on the resolution on the climate change issue and any one can given suggestions for two more days.
NDA ministers had discussed legislative proposals to be brought before consideration of both the Houses of Parliament which include three Bills relating to replacement of Ordinances, GST Bill, Real Estate Regulation Bill etc.
The ministers also discussed recent incidents like Dadri killing, rationalist M M Kalburgi’s killing and some other ones based on which a campaign alleging rising intolerance Is on.
