NEW DELHI, Jan 30 - The Opposition on Thursday raised the issue of anti-CAA protests at an all-party meeting and accused the government of �arrogance� in not reaching out to protesters, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that his dispensation is open to discuss all matters in Parliament�s budget session beginning from Friday.
Modi also called for a �greater focus� on economic issues in the session and how India can gain in the prevailing global situation, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi told reporters after the meeting, attended by 26 parties.
They raised a host of issues, including the nationwide protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, �worsening� economic situation and �rising� unemployment. They also demanded the release of detained political figures in Jammu and Kashmir.
Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters that opposition parties sought immediate release of former J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah so that he could attend the session from Friday.
Anand Sharma of the Congress added that the issue of some �incendiary� statements made by BJP leaders during the Delhi poll campaign was also raised and Modi was asked to intervene in the matter.
The Election Commission on Thursday barred Union minister Anurag Thakur and BJP MP Parvesh Verma from campaigning for three and four days respectively for their objectionable remarks.
Joshi said the Prime Minister told the leaders that parties should not confine themselves to mere charcha (debate) but should have rich and structured discussion on every issue.
In his concluding remarks, Modi welcomed the suggestions of most members that the session should focus on the prevailing economic situation in the country, an official statement later said.
�Most of the members have asked for discussion on the economic situation concerning the country. I welcome this and we need to discuss the economic issues as suggested by you all. We should focus on how we can turn the global scenario in favour of India,� he said.
Referring to various other issues raised by the opposition parties, Modi said there should be an open discussion on all. He asked the leaders at the meeting to see to it that they contribute to increasing the productivity of the session and Parliament.
Asked about the opposition�s charge that the government is being arrogant in not reaching out to anti-CAA protesters, Joshi noted that the bill was passed by Parliament following a long discussion and asked rival parties to introspect their role in these protests.
The BJP has accused the Congress and other opposition parties of inciting protests and violence against the law which, the ruling party has asserted, does not affect the citizenship of any Indian.
The budget session will conclude on April 3 with a recess in between. The budget will be presented on Saturday. � PTI
