Pension, GST likely to be passed in Parliament's Winter session, says Rajiv Pratap Rudy

MUMBAI: The Modi government plans to get a bill replacing the coal ordinance passed, apart from pension and GST bills in the forthcoming session of Parliament, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Pratap Rudy said at a news conference in Mumbai on Thursday. There are 68 bills that the government wishes to clear that are at various stages — drafting, legal scrutiny and with standing committees.

“We will table the bill to replace the coal ordinance. The pension bill and GST Bill could also happen,” said Rudy.

He added the government would ‘expeditiously’ try to clear all bills in the Rajya Sabha too once it is passed by the Lok Sabha. He added that several old bills no longer relevant in today’s age would also be repealed.

The Union minister termed Sri Lanka’s release of five condemned Indian sailors for drug charges as a big step for India and Sri Lankan relations. “We are grateful to the Sri Lankan authorities for releasing the fishermen and this big step for our bilateral ties is due to the efforts of Indian diplomacy,” said Rajiv Pratap Rudy.

He also claimed that his party was engaged in talks with Sena to include it as part of the Devendra Fadnavis government. “There are some difficulties but Sena would be a part of the government, we are hopeful of it,” he said.

When asked about BJP taking NCP’s support to remain in power, Rudy countered: “Do you want us to quit the government? If somebody is bad and is extending support to us, should we say that since you are bad, we will not take any support from you? If someone is feeling good about us, should we reject their support saying he is bad, this is not practical?” Rudy asked.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called NCP as the Naturally Corrupt Party during the election campaign.