Cong reaches out to BJP for key bills

With the Budget Session of Parliament set to resume on Tuesday, the Congress-led government at the Centre has started reaching out to both the disgruntled allies of the United Progressive Alliance as well as the Opposition to push through the key bills and get rid of the ‘policy paralysis’ slur.

Even as the Congress’ troublesome ally Trinamool Congress served a 15-day ultimatum on the Centre demanding a three-year moratorium on the interests of the debts of cash-strapped West Bengal, the government on Monday said that it would consult with all constituents of the ruling coalition as well as BJP and other Opposition and try to get key bills passed by Parliament, although it is likely to give priority to ensure smooth passage for the Budget and Finance Bills by May 8 next.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Bansal told journalists that the government was ready for discussion on all issues that the BJP or others in the Opposition might like to take up in Parliament, but would like such debates to take place only after passages for the Budget and Finance Bills are made. He also said the government would take up the three reform-related bills promised by Finance Minister.