Meira Kumar calls meeting of leaders of political parties

Kumar's initiative has come in the backdrop of the 'mock' Parliament held in Lok Sabha by some opposition parties during the Monsoon session which had come under sharp attack from all quarters.

The meeting is being held ahead of the winter session of Parliament which will commence on November nine. A meeting of the floor leaders is also being called on the opening day of the winter session to ensure that the month-long session was a smooth affair.

Kumar's move to convene the meeting comes in the light of suggestions from various leaders that she should hold interaction with political parties during the inter-session period too for greater communication.

At the last meeting of leaders of political parties several of them had regretted the mock Parliament. Kumar had made known her disapproval of frequent disruptions of the monsoon session during which much time was wasted ver the issue of deciding modalities for holding discussions on price rise.

"Those who frequently disturb the House constitute approximately 4 per cent of the total strength of the House. Around 96 per cent of the Members want the House to function smoothly. Disruption of the proceedings is in essence tantamount to violation of the rights of these 96 per cent of the members," a concerned Kumar had said.
Leader of Lok Sabha Pranab Mukherjee and Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj have been invited for the meet as also leaders of various political parties including Mulayam Singh Yadav (SP), Lalu Prasad (RJD), Mamata Banerjee (Trinamool Congress) and T R Baalu (DMK).

Parliamentary Affairs Minister P K Bansal will also be present besides Minister of State for Parliamentary affairs Prithviraj Chavan and V Narayanasamy.