All-party meet sets stage for stormy budget session

At the customary all-party meeting chaired by defence minister Rajnath Singh, opposition leaders also indicated they will raise the issue of the controversial UGC draft regulations while leaders of the ruling NDA ally Janata Dal (United) suggested that the JPC on One Nation, One Election should have extensive debate.

Both the JD(U) and the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) demanded that smaller NDA partners must get more time to speak in Parliament, according to people aware of the discussions at the meeting.

“We held a successful meeting with all party floor leaders today (Thursday) ahead of the Budget Session. I want to thank all the floor leaders. 52 leaders of total 36 political parties attended the meeting,” Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju said.