Monsoon session will not be the last session: Parliamentary Affairs Minister

Talking to reporters after an all-party meeting convened by Speaker Meira Kumar,Nath said that all parties have pledged to move forward.

He said there was “wide consensus” on the Food Security Bill. “Obviously,political parties have some point to make but there is a very large consensus,” he said,stressing that everyone was keen on seeing it passed.

He denied suggestions that some bills are being brought in haste and that it means elections were round the corner.

Nath’s comments came close on the heels of Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Shailendra Kumar expressing apprehensions that the session would not run smoothly and would be a stormy affair because of the issues the government is planning to bring up for discussion.

“It seems it is an election session due to the kind of bills the government is bringing. It appears that the government is looking at its own benefit by trying to bring in all these measures,” Kumar had said,naming the Food Security Bill and the decision on the separate statehood for Telangana.

He also gave indications that the SP will not give support to the Food Security bill,saying the interest of farmers must not be ignored and the authority of state should not be compromised

“Our leadership has maintained that the bill should not be passed without a thorough discussion”,he said in connection to this. His concern was also shared by Communist Party of India’s (CPI) Gurudas Dasgupta,as the Monsoon Session runs for only 21 days.

He said there will be discussion on the situation in Uttarakhand in the wake of floods as also on the economic situation. He said government has no objection to discuss any issue on the floor of the House.

Asked if the issue of suspension of IAS officer Durga Shakti could be raised in Parliament,he said,”It is a state issue,and I don’t think it can be brought to discussion”.