The good news is Parliament is running:PM

"The good news is Parliament is running," remarked Prime Minister Narendra Modi today as he sent his audience at an event into peals of laughter.

Modi was delivering the inaugural address at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit here and 35 minutes into his speech inquired from his hosts whether he had some more time. He began his speech at 1015 am shortly before the scheduled commencement of today's sitting of Parliament Winter session at 11 am.

"I have to go to Parliament. The good news is that Parliament is running," he said, and hastened to add," the credit does not go to Modi but to all the parties". The audience at the event comprised dignitaries from various walks of life.

Modi wound up his speech a few minutes after making a reference to the Parliament sitting.

The prime minister made the reference about the functioning of the Parliament against the backdrop of the virtual washout of its Monsoon session over various issues. The Winter session, which began last Thursday and due to conclude on December 23, has been relatively running smoothly.

Ahead of the session, Modi had hoped that all members will cooperate in the smooth running of the Winter session through debate and discussion.