'Doubtful if key bills can be passed in this Parliament session'

Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday said it was doubtful whether any key legislation, except for the vote-on-account, would be passed in the current session of Parliament.

"If Parliament does not meet to pass laws, and beginning today you will see Parliament will meet, but I doubt whether it will pass any law. We have to go through the ritual of attending Parliament every day and come back empty handed," he said.

Chidambaram was addressing students of Shri Ram College of Commerce at its business conclave.

Later talking to reporters, he said the Finance Bill, Vote-on-Account and Appropriation Bill will be passed. "...but if it is passed without debate or discussion, I won't be happy. I want it to pass with discussion and debate," the finance minister said.

The government has listed several bills, which it seeks to pass during the session, which will end on February 21.

Besides the interim budget, the government wants to pass the Telangana Bill as well as some anti-corruption legislations.

Meanwhile, terming possible disruptions of parliamentary proceedings over the Telangana issue as "hiccups", Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told reporters outside Parliament that he hoped all sections will have the wisdom to set aside "prejudices" to ensure harmonious working of the session.

Image: Finance Minister P Chidambaram