Earlier the Prime Minister had praised the Opposition for its "positive steps" (PTI photo)
The government and Opposition have agreed to debate the JNU controversy in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Day 2 of Parliament's Budget session. At a meeting this evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message to the BJP's lawmakers was - "debate aggressively."
Here are the latest developments:
While a united opposition plans to target the government over JNU students being charged with sedition for an event where anti-India slogans were raised, the government is preparing an aggressive response.
At the meeting of the BJP's top leaders in Parliament today, PM Modi is said to have told lawmakers that, "the government is working fine and has a lot to show. The opposition is raking up non issues like JNU and the party needs to debate and contest aggressively."
BJP chief Amit Shah and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley too briefed party lawmakers. Mr Jaitley, a well-known lawyer, covered the sedition law and other legal aspects of the JNU controversy, sources said.
The Rajya Sabha will also discuss on Wednesday, the suicide of research scholar Rohith Vemula at a Hyderabad university last month, another issue that the opposition plans to attack the government on.
But on the Hyderabad scholar's suicide, the NDA government will not be aggressive. BJP ally Shiv Sena suggested exercising caution, with a senior leader telling NDTV that since "the case involves a Dalit student and an aggressive stance will hurt the government and all parties in the alliance".
The Opposition has promised a "disruption-free session" if the government discusses issues it wants to bring up first and brings it important legislation like the Goods and Services Tax or GST bill later.
Before the session started today Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "The country is watching eagerly... I believe that Parliament's time shall be utilised and constructive dialogue will take place." The Opposition, PM Modi said, "has shown positive steps."
"I urge all Members of Parliament to discharge their solemn responsibilities in a spirit of cooperation and mutual accommodation," President Pranab Mukherjee said in his address to both houses of Parliament, calling for "debate and discussion, and not disruption or obstruction."
"My government will constantly strive for smooth and constructive conduct of Parliamentary business. Let us all collectively endeavour to build a flourishing and prosperous India," the President said.
Several Parliament sessions in the recent past have been washed out with the opposition holding up proceedings in the Rajya Sabha with protests on various issues, taking advantage of the government being in a minority in the upper house.
