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Prime Minister Modi meets Manmohan, Sonia

“If the government comes out with any formula on these three issues then we can go ahead with it”, Kharge told ANI here.

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The Union Minister stressed that it was a positive beginning and expressed his optimism that in the next round of discussions, they will be able to thrash out the differences and take the bill before the Parliament.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan also held a meeting yesterday with floor leaders of all parties in Parliament House to seek co-operation for smooth conduct of proceedings during the session.

This is where the opportunity lies for the BJP if it really wants to push the GST Bill and Modi should use it to his advantage.

Another Congress leader Pramod Tiwari asserted that the opposition would give its nod to the GST Bill only if it is in the benefit of the people.

The headway was made during Friday’s meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the issue with Congress President Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over tea at his official residence. He later met Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh to break the ice, raising hopes of a deal on the key reform Bill. “Once deliberations on both sides are complete further things will shape up in the interest of the economic growth of the country”, said Sharma.

On a query whether the party will support the passage of GST bill, Azad said, his party will support the passage but after certain amendments.

“Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu will be in touch with the leaders of Congress party in both the houses of parliament to discuss each one of the specific legislations so that work could proceed in parliament next week”, Jaitley said.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who had also been present, said: “The Congress party leaders put forth their position with regard to the three issues of the bill, which they felt are of concern to them”.

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“The history and the background of the legislation and the Government’s response to these issues in detail were also explained to them”, Jaitley said.

GST impasse continues as Sonia stands firm