Thursday, May 5 2005 07:58 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Notwithstanding the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) decision to boycott remaining part of the Budget session of Parliament the Union Cabinet last night (May 4, 2005) cleared 11 bills for introduction in the session of the House, which is slated to continue next week.

"Cabinet tonight had a very heavy agenda. It has cleared as many as 11 bills to be introduced in the current session," Information and Broadcasting Minister S Jaipal Reddy told reporters in New Delhi yesterday.

Asked whether the Government would be able to complete its business in the backdrop of the Opposition boycott, he said, "It is our hope that the Opposition will be persuaded to come back to the House."

"The Prime Minister, the Speaker and other leaders will try to persuade the Opposition," he added.