Government pitches for Communal Violence Bill in Winter session

Pitching for the safe passage of Communal Violence Bill in the current session of Parliament, Minorities Affairs Minister K Rahman Khan on Thursday said it is not a divisive bill and efforts are on to arrive at a consensus on the issue.

"Consultations are going on to bring the bill in the session. Home ministry is discussing it with other states seeking opinions," Khan said outside Parliament.

Government is moving ahead with the Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence Bill that aims to protect minorities against targeted attacks.

Asked about the opinions of other parties on the draft bill, Khan said "There is no need for disagreement over the draft bill. Our efforts are to have a consensus on it."

On Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's opposition to the bill, he said "Perhaps he does not want any such law. Worst communal violence has taken place in Gujarat and he had failed to control it. It is the duty of the Centre to bring the law."

Modi has dubbed the communal violence bill as a "recipe for disaster."

Making a scathing attack on Modi for opposing the Bill, Janata Dal-United leader KC Tyagi said "there are obvious reasons for Modi to oppose the bill. The government of Gujarat is solely responsible for massacre in Godhra. It is natural for Modi to oppose it."

Tyagi further said, "There should be a debate on it but we are not in favour of giving any concession to those who are responsible for riots. Our party wants the bill should come this session and there should be steps to prevent riots."

SP leader Ramgopal Yadav, however, refused to comment on the anti-riot bill saying, "there is no possibility of such bill to come this time. No controversial bill will come this time."

Pressing further to clarify his stand on the bill, Yadav said, "It is a hypothetical question so I would not comment."

Describing the Babri mosque demolition as "shameful" he said, his party would raise the issue on Friday in the House and not allow it to function.

Winter Session of Parliament began on Thursday but was adjourned for the day after condoling the death of sitting members-Mohan Singh in the Rajya Sabha and Murarilal Singh in the Lok Sabha.