Bring it on, says PM ahead of Parliament session

Under attack from Opposition over talks with Pakistan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday said the government is ready to discuss all issues in Parliament.

"We are ready to discuss all issues in Parliament," he told media persons after a meeting of leaders of political parties convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar ahead of the Budget session of Parliament commencing from Monday.

Dr Singh was asked about BJP saying it will seek clarifications from government in Parliament on why it has decided on the Foreign Secretary-level talks with Pakistan when terrorism from across the border has not stopped.

The BJP has already made it known that it would also raise issues like price rise and internal security situation during the session.

The session would commence with President Pratibha Patil's address to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament and would conclude on May 7.

The General Budget for 2010-11 will be presented on February 26 and the Railway Budget 2010-11 on February 24.

In order to enable the Standing Committees to consider the demands for grants of various ministries and departments and prepare their reports, the Lok Sabha will adjourn on March 16 to reassemble on April 12.

The Rajya Sabha will also begin its sitting from February 22.