'We are ready for a debate on coal'

Is the government's reservation card more political or is to take the focus away from Coalgate?
You are wrong on both counts. Reservations are a long-pending demand but the opposition is against it. We have said many times in the Parliament that the government is willing for a discussion.

When there are many bills which are pending, what is the hurry to introduce the reservation bill?
Of course, there are many bills that are pending but see who is stalling them: it is not us, it is the opposition. The BJP is hell bent on proving that the government is guilty in allocating coal blocks. Let an independent agency or the CBI probe the facts of the case.

What about important bills which need to be cleared like the Women's Reservation Bill.
Sure. Some bills like Women's Reservation need consensus. Likewise, other bills too need lengthy debates.

As Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, don't you think the government has been unable to pacify the opposition?
We tried our best. We can assure anyone that the government is serious about a debate but if opposition parties forget their parliamentary obligations, who is to be blamed? The head of the government is saying we are prepared for a debate on the matter but the BJP is not ready. They have to act as a responsible opposition.