Modi-Sonia meet bodes well for democracy

The structured meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Sonia Gandhi in the presence of Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Venkaiah Naidu and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday has the potential to change the dynamics between the Government and the Opposition, at least as far as cooperation on important legislations are concerned. If this spirit of togetherness on national issues is sustained, there would no problems in the functioning of Parliament. But for this to happen, the Friday meeting should not become a one-off event. While it is true that key Union Ministers are regularly in touch with various leaders of the Opposition, during and after Parliament sessions, a meeting between the head of the Government and that of the major opposition party has its own value. Take the Friday event, for instance. After everyone had despaired about the fate of the Goods and Services Tax Bill with the Congress adopting a hard position, the Modi-Sonia meeting has suddenly opened the doors for reconciliation and brightened the chances of the GST Bill being passed in the ongoing Winter Session. While it is true that no ‘breakthrough' came about, the fact that both sides heard each other face-to-face and decided to meet again soon, indicates a thaw in the making. A lack of communication between the ruling party and the Opposition gives rise to confusion and misplaced notions of each other's intent. It sets the stage for confrontation and worsening of an already bad situation. Prime Minister Modi needs to be lauded for having taken the bold initiative to reach out to the Opposition. He not only extended the invitation for the meeting but also delivered a statesman-like speech in Parliament during the discussion on the Constitution and BR Ambedkar's enormous contribution to its making. By emphasising on ‘us' and not ‘you versus I'; by invoking the contributions of previous Governments of all hues in the country's progress; by complimenting Jawaharlal Nehru for his democratic and liberal spirit; and by underlining the Government's unwavering commitment to the Constitution, the Prime Minister made it known that henceforth, his Government will more extensively engage with the Opposition in matters of the state. The Congress too deserves praise for accepting Mr Modi's invite in the spirit in which it was extended and promising to get back for more talks after the GST issue was discussed afresh with its senior leaders.

While it is true that a breakthrough on the GST will enhance the prospects of more cooperation between the BJP-led NDA Government and the Opposition, such hopes must not die out even if the GST tussle does not get resolved immediately. There are a number of issues where the Government and the Opposition have to work in tandem for the country's larger good. The Prime Minister must find time to also directly and regularly engage with leaders of other opposition parties. All of this does not mean that the rivalry between the Government and the Opposition will suddenly melt. But a culture of give-and-take to sustain the dialogue process will at least create an environment where there will be no place for personal attacks and opposition for the sake of opposition.