Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks on the first day of the Winter Session of Parliament, in New Delhi.
Credit: Sansad TV via PTI Photo
New Delhi: PM Modi on Monday, in his opening remarks at the beginning of the Winter Session, said that the Opposition should focus on “delivery” and not “drama”. He said that the Opposition should come out of "failure" and "reject negativity".
Addressing the media at the beginning of the session at Parlaiment’s Hans Dwar, PM Modi said that Parliament is a place for policy and delivery, not "drama or slogan-shouting". “There is plenty of room for drama elsewhere. Here, we need delivery. This is not the place for slogans; we must focus on policy,” he said.
He said that the Opposition should not be swept by the “negativity” of election losses. “Come out of the setbacks of poll losses and raise strong points in the House debates. Along with democracy, the world is seeing the strengthening of our economy. India has proved that democracy can deliver,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi further said that first-time MPs and young parliamentarians must be given the chance to raise concerns, adding that younger MPs were “very troubled” at not getting adequate opportunities. “We must ensure every party, and every new-generation MP, every first-time MP, benefits the House,” Modi said.
In response, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that discussions on matters like the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and pollution are not “drama”. “The Opposition has asked for debates on many issues, and not just SIR, but the government does not want to discuss anything,” the Wayanad MP said.
“The PM has also asked us to ‘enjoy the weather’. He should look outside for a moment and see what is happening in the country,” she added.