Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged members of Parliament to avoid unnecessary theatrics during proceedings. He stressed that the House should prioritise policymaking rather than slogans and disruptions.
Speaking to the media before the start of the Winter Session, the Prime Minister stated, “This Winter Session is not just a ritual, but a way to infuse energy in the efforts to take the nation forward towards rapid progress. India has lived the democracy and has expressed its enthusiasm and joy towards the democratic process that strengthens the trust in democracy.”
PM Modi remarked that the international community is observing India’s democratic journey closely. He further added that the country has consistently shown that ‘democracy can deliver’.
“In the past few days, the immense voter turnout in the elections in Bihar has been the greatest strength of democracy. The contribution of women is also increasing, which sparks a wave of hope and trust. The world is watching the strength of the democratic and economic system closely. India has proven that democracy can deliver,” the Prime Minister noted.
Turning his attention to political opponents, PM Modi asserted, “The pace at which India’s economic status is achieving new successes not only makes us believe in the resolution of Viksit Bharat but also gives us the strength to fulfil it.”
PM Modi urged the Opposition to move past its election setbacks and play a constructive role. He suggested that some parties were still struggling to accept defeat.
“This session should focus on what the Parliament is thinking, wants to do and will do for the nation. The Opposition should also fulfil its responsibility and raise questions after coming out of its sadness following the defeat. Unfortunately, a few political outfits are not able to take their defeat,” PM Modi noted.
These comments come at a time when Opposition parties have raised objections over what they describe as a one-sided decision on holding a short-duration debate.
Disruptions linked to the Special Intensive Review (SIR) process in Bihar also marked the previous monsoon session.
Reflecting on the Bihar Assembly election results, the Prime Minister said, “I thought since it’s been a while that the Bihar elections have concluded, things would have changed. However, I heard their rhetoric, and now it makes me think that their defeat is still troubling them.”
He stressed that neither resentment over defeat nor triumphalism over victory should dominate the Winter Session.
Instead, he remarked, “As public representatives, we should take the responsibility and expectations of the countrymen forward with balance. This is a tough job, but we should do it.”
PM Modi also urged greater space for first-time MPs, stating, “Those who are elected for the first time or those who are still young, are not happy because they are not able to introduce themselves as capable representatives, present the problems of their regions and are also being stopped when they talk in favour of the country’s development. We should give these new MPs a chance to present their views.”
Renewing his criticism of sloganeering in the House, the Prime Minister asserted, “There are a lot of places to do drama; anyone who wants to do it can continue with it. There should be delivery here and not drama. Even for the slogans, the entire nation is available; raise the slogans wherever you want; you raised it where you were defeated, now raise it where you will be defeated. However, here, the focus should be on policy, not slogans.”
“Negativity might be of use in politics, but for nation-building, positive thinking is necessary. I hope that you keep negativity within limits and focus on nation-building,” he further added.
The Prime Minister also remarked that recent sessions had sometimes been used as platforms for political showdowns. He said this had taken precedence over legislative priorities.
PM Modi said some parties struggled to face the public in the states they governed due to public discontent. He added that they needed to reflect on this.
In closing, PM Modi congratulated CP Radhakrishnan on assuming office as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
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