Union Shipping Minister G.K. Vasan on Saturday urged political parties to “debate, discuss, deliberate and come to a conclusion” on the Food Security Bill in Parliament instead of stalling the proceedings of both the Houses. “The government is open-minded on the issue. It is keen on ensuring food security for crores of people in the country. Do not stall the proceeding of the House,” he told reporters at Sathyamurthy Bhavan.
Asked about DMK leader M. Karunanidhi’s assertion that his party would support the bill only if the interests of Tamil Nadu were protected, Mr Vasan said all issues could be discussed during the debate in Parliament.
To a question on the continuous attack on Tamil fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, Mr Vasan said India had clearly explained its position on the issue to the Sri Lankan government. “Ministry of External Affairs expressed its displeasure over the attacks to the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Delhi.