Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong appeal for constructive parliamentary proceedings on Monday, urging opposition parties to shed the "bitterness of defeat" and focus on nation-building as the Winter Session commenced. Addressing the media in New Delhi, the Prime Minister emphasized that the House should be a forum for policy ('neeti'), not slogans ('naare').
A Call for Constructive Debate Over Political Drama
Prime Minister Modi directly addressed the recent electoral setbacks faced by some opposition parties, notably mentioning the Bihar elections. He expressed concern that the inability to accept defeat was hampering Parliament's functioning. "One or two parties cannot digest defeat. I was thinking that after so many days of the Bihar defeat, they must have recovered," he stated, adding that the Winter Session should not become a field for either the bitterness of defeat or the arrogance of victory.
He appealed for a balanced and responsible approach from all lawmakers, reminding them of their duty as representatives of the people. "We should think about the future – how to improve things, how to comment effectively on what is wrong, so that people may be better informed," PM Modi asserted.
Empowering Young MPs and Changing a 'Failed Strategy'
A significant part of the Prime Minister's address focused on the plight of new and young Members of Parliament. He accused some opposition parties of preventing these lawmakers from showcasing their talent and raising issues from their constituencies.
"I worry about one thing – the young MPs and first-time MPs are unhappy. They are unable to show their talent... They are being stopped from doing this," PM Modi said. He made a bipartisan appeal to allow MPs from all parties, especially newcomers, to speak and contribute to the nation's progress, stating that the House should benefit from their fresh experiences.
Taking a dig at the opposition's conduct, the Prime Minister offered unsolicited advice. "They should introspect – the country has not accepted these games for 10 years. They should change their strategy – I am willing to give them tips," he said, referring to what he called a "failed strategy" of disruption. He criticized the tendency to use Parliament either as a warm-up for elections or a venue to vent post-electoral frustration.
Parliament as an Engine for National Progress
PM Modi framed the Winter Session as a crucial period to energize India's development trajectory. He expressed full belief that the session would infuse energy into the country's high-speed progress. Highlighting India's democratic strength, he pointed to increased voter turnout and women's participation in recent polls as signs of a vibrant democracy.
"India has proved that democracy can deliver. Our economic strength is rising, and is giving us the conviction and strength to become Viksit Bharat," the Prime Minister stated. He called for the session to focus on what Parliament thinks, wants, and will do for the country.
Concluding his address, PM Modi congratulated the new Rajya Sabha Chairperson, C P Radhakrishnan, and noted that GST reforms had created a positive atmosphere for next-generation economic changes. He left the opposition with a clear choice: continue with negativity or shoulder responsibility and raise important issues for the nation's benefit.
