Govt will take stern steps to strengthen economy — PM

He said the economic situation at the Centre and in the states was grim and sought members cooperation in the next budget session of Parliament for bringing in financial and fiscal discipline, party spokesman Venkaiah Naidu told mediapersons here.

The Prime Minister said Congress had promised free power to the people of Andhra Pradesh, if elected to office, but it still lost the elections.

He asked members to keep the people informed about the various measures taken by the government which was functioning in accordance with the national agenda of governance drawn up by the national democratic alliance (NDA).

Vajpayee said even the main opposition party, Congress, had supported the economic policy being pursued by the government showing that it was in the right direction.

In this context, he said bills like Insurance Regulatory Development Authority (IRDA), money laundering and foreign exchange management had got parliamentary approval.

Vajpayee said the winter session of Parliament was a "satisfying" one as the House had been able transact considerable business.

"Good work was done in the current session with even those bills which seemed doubtful of securing parliamentary approval being passed," he said.

Vajpayee said majority view did not mean consensus but some differences should not hamper the path of progress.

The Prime Minister said his government was following the National Democratic Alliance agenda and it was an "open agenda" and that it had "no hidden agenda", asserting "NDA agenda is ours."

Home Minister L K Advani cautioned members against signing memoranda without going through it carefully to ensure that it was in accordance with the party line.

He asked members not to accept hospitality from private parties.