New Delhi
Amid the continuing stand-off in Parliament, especially the Rajya Sabha, the Congress on Sunday said it is for the government to take the initiative, discuss issues with leaders of various political parties, including their allies, to find a way out of the logjam.

While both the Houses of Parliament faced repeated adjournments on various issues, the work in the Rajya Sabha was hit the most. Last Friday was the eighth consecutive day in row when the Upper House failed to transact any business.

Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu was displeased over the approach of members and cautioned he may be forced to take action against those disrupting the proceedings even though he would not be happy doing so. In addition, he asked the Leader of the House, Arun Jaitley, to talk to other leaders during the recess. Parliament will resume its sitting on December 27, after break for Christmas.

Congress Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma told The Tribune on Sunday that so far there has been no contact from the government on the issue. He, however, said the ruling coalition should first talk to different political parties whose members are agitating in the House and look for a solution.

As for the Congress, he said, the party is insisting on having a discussion on all issues, including the Rafale aircraft deal and creation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee to go into it. “We are for discussion on all issues, but it should include the Rafale deal too, leading to the setting up of a JPC,” Sharma said.

After the apex court verdict on December 14, the government turned down the demand for a JPC with Finance Minister Jaitley stating the Supreme Court verdict was conclusive and truth in such matters comes from judicial process and not on the basis of partisan political lines.