Govt contemplating to hold all-party meeting to break GST logjam

In a fresh bid to break the logjam on the crucial GST Bill, the government is contemplating holding an all-party meeting soon as it is confident of the support of a larger number of Opposition parties on the issue.

There is a view within the government that Congress is “single-handedly” blocking the passage of the GST Bill for “other reasons” and may not find support of many parties on this issue on a common forum.

Government sources said that a senior leader from the opposition camp had also suggested convening an all-party meeting to break the logjam over the issue. “I am not ruling it in. I am not ruling it out. It can happen any time, on any issue,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said when asked if an all-party meeting would be called to ensure the passage of the GST Bill in this session.

He added: “By Friday we will come to some conclusion.”

Asked from where does this hope emit as Congress seems to have hardened its position on the measure, he said, “I am hoping against hope. I am an optimist.” 

Naidu had a word with Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday but remained tight-lipped about the outcome.

Though the government was keen to pass some Bills even amid din, Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari does not appear to be inclined to adopt this course. GST being a Constitutional amendment Bill, chances of passing it in a din are all the more remote.

Voicing his anguish over repeated disruptions in Parliament, for which the government has held the Congress responsible, Naidu said: “Can democracy be a prisoner to politics of five? Can democratic functioning of Parliament be held back by 4-5 persons?” 

The government has already been assured of support on GST by parties such as Bahujan Samaj Party, Nationalist Congress Party, JD-U and Biju Janata Dal. It is also hopeful of the support from the Samajwadi Party. There is a buzz that SP is in favour of an all-party meeting on GST.