Sunday, July 24 2005 17:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: With the Opposition promising not to stall proceedings in Parliament, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government today (July 24, 2005) said it was ready to discuss any issue of public importance raised by either the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led Nationalist Democratic Alliance (NDA) or supporters of the ruling alliance.

"Government has no problem in discussing any matter or any issue of public importance the Opposition or the supporting parties of the UPA want to raise in the House," Parliamentary Affairs Minsiter Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters after a 90-minute meeting of leaders of major political parties convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also attended the luncheon meeting.

Azad said issues like floods, drought and other important matters could be debated in Parliament.

The Speaker said leaders of various political parties have assured them of 'full cooperation'.

He said "There is no difficulty in allowing any matter to be debated subject to rules and availability of time".

Chatterjee said if the House functions properly, any important matter can be discussed.

"Otherwise, people will lose faith in the parliamentary system which will be dangerous for democracy," he said.

The Speaker said he hoped that the parties would keep their promise to ensure that the session is peaceful and orderly and constructive discussions are held.

"I am very hopeful to see that the functions normally," he said.

BJP leader V K Malhotra said the Opposition would participate in the proceedings and raise major issues 'effectively and aggressively'.