Modi calls for 'frank discussions' ahead of Parliament's winter session
What's the story
Ahead of the winter session in the Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that he hoped for "frank discussions on all matters".
The Parliament's winter session has commenced and will run till December 13.
He also called for the "best of best" debates in the winter session, which would be the last Parliament session of 2019.
Here are more details.
Details
'During this session, we will observe Constitution Day'
Speaking to reporters, PM Modi highlighted the importance of the winter session as it is the 250th Parliament session of the Rajya Sabha.
He said, "During this session, on 26th, we will observe Constitution Day - when our Constitution completes its 70 years."
The session takes place amid concerns over an economic slowdown, job losses, agrarian crisis and the detention of politicians in J&K.
Winter session
Parliament's winter session to have 20 sittings
The Parliament's winter session will have 20 sittings over 26 days. It will address key bills, including the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill, which had failed to pass in the Parliament earlier.
On the occasion of 70th anniversary of the Constitution of India, both houses of the Parliament will also hold a joint sitting in the Central Hall on November 26.
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There should be high-quality debates, says PM Modi
PM Modi said, "This is the last Parliament session of 2019. It is very important because this is the 250th Parliament session of the Rajya Sabha. During this session, on 26th, we will observe Constitution Day - when our Constitution completes its 70 years."
He added, "There should be high-quality debates in which all MPs should contribute."
Information
Congress should expose economy mismanagement in Parliament session: Chidambaram
Meanwhile, Congress leader P. Chidambaram tweeted, "@INCIndia must lead the Opposition to expose the utter mismanagement of the economy." Chidambaram, currently in Delhi's Tihar Jail, tweeted through his family. He said the "government seems knowledge proof and refuses to accept valid criticism and genuine advice."
Other developments
Shiv Sena protested at Parliament on winter session day 1
Notably, as the Parliament's winter session commenced, the Shiv Sena held a protest near the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Parliament premises. They demanded the government to declare unseasonal rains in Maharashtra as natural calamity.
Separately, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi also protested against the rising pollution levels in the city.
Meanwhile, BJP MPs Manoj Tiwari and Mansukh Mandaviya rode bicycles to the Parliament.