Monsoon session: Hectic parleys for consensus on GST bill begin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday promised to work for a consensus on the passage of the GST bill which he said was in the interest of the states.

At a meeting of NDA constituents, he said the government will talk to all parties and seek to build a consensus for its passage.

Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu told reporters that Modi explained to NDA leaders the importance of the GST bill and the need to pass it.

"All parties (of NDA) are together on the GST bill. The PM explained to them its importance and the need to pass it," he said.

According to official sources, the government will hold more meetings with Opposition parties to build a consensus on the GST bill.

"On our part, we have made it clear to all political parties that we are ready for more discussions and have an open mind. We are ready to go the extra mile to build consensus over the GST bill," a senior minister said after the meeting.

"All political parties appear positive for passing the GST bill," he said.