“Allow smooth functioning of Parliament”

Talking to press persons here, he said that even allies of the prime Opposition party did not relish its defiant attitude. Both the major national parties should behave responsibly and they should sit and settle issues through meaningful dialogue. Attack by terrorists in Punjab and Kashmir, flood in eastern States and several burning issues that required immediate action could not be discussed owing to the tussle between the ruling and prime Opposition parties. Several bills were pending clearance in the Lok Sabha and several crores of rupees was wasted due to logjam. Speaking about the ongoing NLC strike, he flayed the Centre for not giving due importance to workers’ genuine problems. Such an attitude forced all workers to unite and engage in strike. It should have held direct talks with workers to solve the crisis within a timeframe, he said. Stating that the TMC was in the forefront in the anti-liquor campaign in the State, he said that the party did not do it for political gains. “We view it as a social issue. Violent activities will not solve any problem. The students should intensify their anti-liquor campaign by creating awareness among all sections of society.” His tour of four districts revealed that basic grievances of people were not redressed in villages even today, Mr. Vasan said.