Lok Sabha speaker Mrs. Meira Kumar on Wednesday said, leaders of all political parties have assured smooth functioning of Parliament to discuss issues of vital importance to the common man.

Speaking to reporters after the All Party Meeting held at the Parliament house ahead of winter session beginning on Thursday, Mrs Kumar said, the political parties have also suggested several issues to be taken up for discussion during the session. She said, the parties have assured to cooperate for transacting business in the house.

Parliamentary affairs Minister Kamalnath said, the meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere. He said, the Parliament belongs to all and convergence has to be arrived at through discussion on contentious issues to avoid disruption of proceedings.

Senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj said, her party has given notice for discussion of FDI in retail under rules that entails voting. She also alleged that the government has violated its earlier assurance that a decision on FDI in retail would be taken only after arriving at a consensus on the issue.

Samajwadi Party leader Rewati Raman Singh said all issues should be dicussed in the Parliament though FDI is the main issue. He said, his party will take a final call on whether to go for voting on the issue tommorow.

JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav said the mood among the opposition is that the Parliament should function smoothly.

AIR correspondent reports, Lokpal bill, Whistle Blowers Protection and Reservation for Women in Parliament and State legislature’s bills are among the twenty five important legislations lined up by the UPA Government for passage in the Winter session.

The government has also reached out to all parties to discuss any issue and sought their cooperation for the smooth functioning of Parliament.