Centre seeks Opposition's support on Insurance Bill

As the stalemate on the Insurance Bill continued, the Modi government on Wednesday appealed to the Congress to support economic reform measure which was first initiated by the UPA.

“We are waiting for Congress and others to let the government know of their concerns and changes if any,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said in a statement here.

At the all party meeting on Monday, the Congress had sought time to examine the changes suggested by the NDA and later demanded that the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill be referred to a Select Committee.
The NDA views this demand as a delaying tactic. “The Congress party’s position that if the Bill can wait for six years, why not another six weeks sounds hollow,” Naidu said.

He said politicisation of economic and major issues of national importance have cost the country enough and it was time that such attitude is brought to an end.

“I appeal to the Congress party to act as per conscience and stated support to hike FDI in insurance sector,” Naidu said.

Parliament sources said there were no discussions on Tuesday, formal or otherwise, among the leaders of the NDA and the Congress on the insurance issue.