Opposition shouldn't oppose for the sake of record as it will dent its credibility, says Rajya Sabha Chairperson M Venkaiah Naidu

Naidu also said a thorough understanding of the state of the nation is an essential prerequisite to making an effective contribution as a lawmaker

Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday said that the Opposition has every right to criticise the government but warned the new MPs that opposing for the sake of record will dent its credibility.

Inaugurating the orientation programme for the newly elected Rajya Sabha MPs, he also said a thorough understanding of the state of the nation is an essential prerequisite to making an effective contribution as a lawmaker.

"The Opposition has the right to criticize the government of the day. In fact, it is their duty. But the criticism should be informed so that it looks credible. Opposing every move of the government for the sake of record dents its credibility. The quality of criticism should really sting the government of the day and catch the eye of the media and the people," he said.

Naidu said all MPs should ensure and further strengthen the unity and inclusivity of the multicultural society by checkmating the attempts to create divisions based on caste, colour, region and religion.

"Each one of you must emerge as the spokesperson of the aspiring, emergent, capable, resilient and united India," he said.

Without referring to recent incidents, Naidu, however, cautioned the MPs about the "attempts to block the progress of the country whose voice is finding an echo in the global order in the form of disturbances along the boundary, misplaced criticism of the country based on some sporadic incidents, discrediting our democracy, economic restrictions, cross-border terror, etc".

He also told the MPs that it is the content and perspective that matters while intervening in debates and not the length of the speech. Naidu advised them to avoid repetitions "which even kills the media interest".

Naidu also wanted the MPs to be more tech-savvy as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) was bringing the world into one's palm.

"Vast reservoirs of information and knowledge can be accessed with the click of a button on the keyboard of a laptop or a smartphone. This helps in your preparation for participation in the proceedings of the House. If you are tech shy, better overcome it and become tech-savvy," he said.

The MPs should develop in-depth knowledge of issues being taken up in the House so as not to be general and vague in their interventions when complex issues with wider implications are discussed, he said.

Concerned over the rising "negative perception" among the public about the functioning of legislatures in the country, he asked the MPs to abide by the elaborate Rules of Procedure and Conventions of the House evolved over the years to enable smooth functioning of the House. He

"These rules provide for every contingency. During my 20 years in the Rajya Sabha and three and half years as its Chairman, I have never witnessed a situation when the inadequacy of Rules was felt in addressing procedural matters in the House," he said.