PM Modi asks Opposition to shun politics over Talaq Bill

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all parties on Monday to ensure a smooth passage of the government's Bill to end the practice of "Triple Talaq", as a New Year gift to Muslim women.

"I humbly request all political parties of the country to get the Bill passed in this Session as a New Year gift to Muslim women," he told reporters outside the Parliament House as he walked to attend the first day of the Budget Session.

Later in both Houses of Parliament, in an uncharacteristic manner, he crossed the aisle and reached out to Opposition leaders.

He met Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, on a rather personal note.

He was seen chatting with the two leaders, even putting a friendly hand on Yadav's shoulder.

The same scene was repeated in the Rajya Sabha. He crossed the floor and met Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Earlier, he told reporters that it was his government's effort, as well as the expectation of the people, that there would be no politics on an important issue like triple talaq and Muslim women should get their rights.

"But in the last Session, despite a Supreme Court ruling, we could not get the Bill passed in Parliament," he said.

He said given a positive outlook of the Indian economy, the Budget would give a new fillip to growth. "The entire global community is very much optimistic about the Indian economy. It comes at a time when the world is looking at us, be it the global credit rating agencies, World Bank or IMF which have been very positive in their opinion about the growth of India and the road ahead. This Budget will provide a new energy to the fast-growing economy of the country," he said.