2nd LD Writethru: Indian parliament starts crucial budget session

The Indian Parliament's crucial budget session began Monday, with President Pranab Mukherjee highlighting the government's priorities and Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking cooperation of all political parties to get key pending legislations cleared.

Addressing a joint seating of both houses of parliament, Rajya Sabha (the Upper House) and Lok Sabha (Lower House), the Indian president said the fundamental tenet of the central government is "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas (All Together, Development of All).

"My government has pledged to work for the welfare of the poor, the marginalized and the vulnerable sections of the society. Inclusive growth covering poorest of poor from most vulnerable and disadvantaged sections of society is my government's topmost priority," the president said.

"The government is committed to safeguarding interests of farmers. The government is committed to safety of women, protecting the girl child. My government is firmly committed to engage people in the process of governance and policy-making."

Earlier in the morning, Modi reached out to opposition parties and sought their help in passing the six crucial bills, which have been passed through ordinances. "In a democracy, there should be dialogue, discussion and positive outcome," he told the media outside the parliament in the national capital.

However, the main opposition Congress party has ruled out supporting the government on the controversial land ordinance which aims at overhauling the land acquisition act. "We won't be supporting an anti-people ordinance," the party's senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said.

The ordinances will be lapsed if not passed within six weeks of the commencement of the session.

The government does not have a majority in the Rajya Sabha and need the support of opposition parties to pass laws.

The budget session is a key session and the country's budget will be presented on February 28 in the Lok Sabha. Endi