The Winter Session of Parliament commenced on Monday with a significant ceremonial moment as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on behalf of the entire House, formally welcomed Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan who presided over the Rajya Sabha for the very first time. Radhakrishnan, who assumed the office of Vice-President in September, succeeded Jagdeep Dhankhar and now serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Upper House.
A Proud Moment for the House
Addressing the Rajya Sabha at the beginning of the session, Prime Minister Modi extended a warm and hearty welcome to the new Chairman. "The Winter Session is beginning today and it is a proud moment for all members of the House. It is a proud moment to welcome you," the Prime Minister stated. He assured the Chairman of full cooperation from all Members of Parliament, promising that they would maintain the dignity and decorum of the House while respecting the Chairman's position.
PM Modi took the opportunity to highlight Radhakrishnan's background and dedication to public service. "Our Chairman comes from a simple family, a farmer's family, and he has dedicated his entire life to social service," Modi said. He described the new Chairman as an inspiration and a guide for anyone committed to social work, noting that while politics was one aspect of his life, social service remained the mainstream.
Praise for Grassroots Connect and Simplicity
The Prime Minister specifically recalled Radhakrishnan's tenure as the Governor of Jharkhand, praising his deep connection with tribal communities. Modi mentioned that the Chief Minister of Jharkhand had often spoken proudly about how Radhakrishnan would visit even the smallest villages, traveling by any available means, often stopping at remote places overnight. "I have realised one thing that people sometimes feel the burden of their position, and sometimes they get overwhelmed by protocol. But I've noticed that you have no connection with protocol," PM Modi remarked, commending the Chairman's simplicity and spirit of service.
Opposition's Welcome and a Quoted Warning
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress President, Mallikarjun Kharge, also rose to welcome the new Vice-President on behalf of all opposition members. "I rise today on my own behalf and on behalf of all opposition members to heartily congratulate you on assuming the office of Chairman of Rajya Sabha," Kharge said.
In his address, Kharge invoked the words of former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, drawing a parallel to the current political climate. He quoted, "I belong to no party," a statement made by Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on May 16, 1952, hinting at claims of partisanship. Kharge further quoted the former philosopher-President's caution: "A democracy is likely to degenerate into a tyranny if it does not allow the opposition groups to criticise fairly, freely and frankly the policies of the government." This was seen as a pointed message underscoring the role of a robust opposition in a healthy democracy.
Earlier in the day, before the session began, Prime Modi addressed the media outside Parliament, where he targeted the opposition. He urged them to move past their recent defeat in the Bihar assembly elections. Taking a jibe at the opposition's parliamentary strategy, Modi said, "Whoever wants to do drama can do it. There should be delivery here and not drama...the emphasis should be on policy, not slogans." This set the tone for what is expected to be a session with heated debates on legislative business.
The opening day, therefore, was marked by ceremonial welcomes and political messaging from both the treasury and opposition benches, framing the start of the crucial Winter Session of Parliament.
