Govt ready to discuss any issue in Parliament

Prime Minister on Wednesday said the Government was ready to discuss any issue in the Budget Session of Parliament.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said the Government was ready to discuss any issue in the Budget Session of Parliament.

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The Budget Session begins on Thursday.

"We are ready for any discussion that the Speaker may decide to admit in the House under any rule," he said after a luncheon meeting hosted by Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee for leaders of all political parties in Parliament.

Describing his meeting with party leaders as "very good", the Speaker said he had agreed to allow them to raise all issues within the constraints of rules and time.

He said the financial business would get priority during the session and he looked forward to a "constructive, effective and a business-like session".

Asked about the possibility of a no-confidence motion, Chatterjee said it was for the political parties to decide, as it was one of the weapons in the hands of the Opposition. "I do not want to impose my opinion on them".

To a question on the alleged phone tapping against Justice SN Variava, he said if there was any serious issue, it would be allowed to be raised.

On the much-delayed Women's Reservation Bill, he said, "I will be very happy if it is passed during my tenure as the Speaker".

The Speaker said the people should feel happy to see how Parliament functions as per their expectations.