Speaker for debate sans interruptions

New Delhi, November 16 

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today said despite discussions, debates, arguments and disagreements, House proceedings should continue unabated without interruptions. The Speaker chaired an all-party meeting here this evening. Prime Minister Modi also joined in. 

The winter session starts on November 18 and will conclude on December 13. It will have 20 sittings.

Talking to the media, the Speaker said the House would discuss issues after these were finalised by the Business Advisory Committee.  He said leaders of various parties had assured him of cooperation. “I appealed to floor leaders of all parties for their cooperation in smooth functioning of the House. As the House is answerable to the people, I hope parties will raise issues of public interest. There should be debate in the House, and for that it should function,” he added. 

Among others who attended the meeting were DMK’s TR Balu, TMC’s Sudip Bandopadhyay, LJP’s Chirag Paswan and Congress’ Adhir Ranjan.

During the session, the Modi-led NDA government is expected to take forward its legislative agenda. Among the Bills expected to be taken up is regularising Delhi’s 1,728 unauthorised colonies. The Opposition is likely to target the government on ‘slowdown’.  — TNS

Appeal to parties

As the House is answerable to the people, I hope parties will raise issues of public interest. Om Birla, speaker