Opposition's insistence on amendment to Motion of Thanks unjustified: Sumitra Mahajan

NAGPUR: Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan today termed as "unjustified" the "insistence" of opposition in bringing an amendment to the motion of thanks to the President's address to Parliament, saying the motion was "well considered" in view of government's commitment to development for all.

"The Presidential address to the joint sitting of Parliament reflects the policies of government and the opposition's insistence on amendment is not justified," Mahajan told journalists here while on her way to Betul in Madhya Pradesh.

The united opposition had in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday forced an amendment -- on the issue of black money -- to the motion of thanks to the President's address to Parliament during ongoing Budget session, causing an embarrassment to the government.

The Speaker said there can be some suggestions but not amendment as "insisted" on by opposition parties.

The motion of thanks was "well considered" in view of the government's initiative on 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas' (Together with all, Development for all), she said.

On the Land Acquisition Bill, Mahajan said the ruling party was inviting suggestions from members across the party lines.

To a question on whether government would go for a joint sitting of Parliament to pass the Land Acquisition Bill which has been facing a strident opposition, the Speaker said "efforts are on to get the nod of Rajya Sabha in an usual way first."

The government is not against the interest of farmers, she added.