NEW DELHI: Amid the logjam in Parliament, the government has dropped hints of a climb-down by showing readiness to take up discussion on demonetisation by adjourning the normal business of the House. The government claims that barring Trinamool Congress all Opposition parties are keen to break the deadlock in both the Houses.
“We have met leaders of all political parties in the last couple of days. We have told them that the discussion on demonetisation in the Lok Sabha could be taken up by suspending the Question Hour. The Congress has given hints of cooperating to break the logjam in Parliament,” said a Minister, adding that only the TMC remains adamant on voting.
While the government has lined up the three enabling Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bills for the Lok Sabha, five legislative proposals, including Disability Benefits, Employees Benefits, Prevention of discrimination against HIV patients, Maternity Banefit, have also been listed in the agenda of business for the Rajya Sabha next week. “The three GST Bills could be passed in din if there is no breakthrough in the logjam. Since they are Money Bills, the government is not worried,” said an NDA floor manager, while adding there is a likelihood of proroguing the session earlier if the Opposition continues its disruptive strategy.
Sources in the government said that Speaker Sumitra Mahajan would engage leaders of all parties to end the logjam. “All Opposition parties barring the TMC and Congress have given notices under Rule 193, which does not entail voting or adjournment, for discussing the issue of demonetisation. We are hopeful the TMC will come on board next week to discuss the possible way out of the logjam,” said the NDA floor manager.