NEW DELHI: Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday said he had a “good” discussion with Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi, adding that the government made a request on a specific issue and also discussed other matters.“I had a good discussion with Rahul Gandhi ji…we made a request regarding an issue and also discussed other matters.We desire continuous communication and coordinated action with the Congress and other opposition parties. We may be political opponents, but we are not enemies; therefore, we should work together in the national interest,” Rijiju told reporters.“However, thy create an impression outside is that they won’t let Parliament function at all, but who ultimately suffers from that?” the parliamentary affairs minister asked.Rijiju also responded to reporters’ questions about the opposition’s demand for a statement from Union home minister Amit Shah on the Delhi Police action against student protesters during their march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session.“The home minister has introduced bills in Parliament and has been present in the House from morning till evening. Naturally, the minister whose bill is under consideration is the one who remains present in the House,” he added.Rijiju’s remarks came a day after he reportedly met Rahul Gandhi to seek his cooperation in ensuring the smooth functioning of Parliament during the remainder of the Monsoon Session. The two also discussed the possible reintroduction of the Delimitation and Women’s Reservation Bills, though the Congress leader reportedly made no commitment.
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During the nearly 50-minute meeting on Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi is learnt to have told Rijiju that a statement by Amit Shah on the Delhi Police action against students protesting over the NEET paper leak issue, along with a discussion on the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, were “non-negotiables” for the House to function.The Monsoon Session is scheduled to conclude on August 13. On Thursday, the government dismissed media reports claiming that a three-day special session would be convened from August 16 to 18 to take up the Women’s Reservation and Delimitation Bills, two key items on its legislative agenda.
