Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Opposition as Parliament’s Winter Session commenced, cautioning Opposition parties against turning the two Houses into a stage for “drama”. He urged them instead to contribute to constructive debate and legislative work.
“There are many places to do drama. Those who wish to do it may do so elsewhere,” said Narendra Modi. “There should be no drama here; there should be delivery.” He added that young MPs from all parties should be given the opportunity to raise issues in the House instead of being overshadowed by political theatrics.
PM Modi cited the high turnout in the Bihar elections, particularly the participation of women voters, as evidence of the strength of India’s democratic institutions. “The world is watching this very carefully,” he said. “India has proved that democracy can deliver.”
He added that India had not only practised democracy but had deepened its citizens’ faith in it. The Prime Minister said Parliament must now focus on the direction in which the country is moving.
Taking a swipe, PM Modi said the Opposition should accept the verdict of the people and “come out of the disappointment of defeat”. “Unfortunately, a few parties are not able to digest defeat,” he said in a veiled reference to the Congress. “Parliament must not become a battleground for a meltdown over election results or a place to display pride.”
Continuing his pointed remarks, the Prime Minister said he was willing to advise Opposition parties on how to “course-correct” after their poor electoral showing. “I am ready to give tips on how they should perform,” he said. “But allow MPs to express themselves. Do not sacrifice MPs because of your disappointment and defeat.” He also suggested that excessive negativity was undermining Parliament’s productivity. “Keep negativity within limits and focus on nation-building,” he said.
Against this political backdrop, the Winter Session is expected to be stormy. The Opposition has insisted on a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a demand the government has not agreed to, even as it has listed 13 new Bills for introduction. The government has also scheduled a discussion marking 150 years of Vande Mataram. The session, which began on Monday, will conclude on 19 December and include 15 sittings.
At the all-party meeting and the Business Advisory Committee meetings held on Sunday, the SIR of voter lists dominated Opposition demands. Some Opposition MPs reportedly warned that the House would not be allowed to function without such a debate.
Samajwadi Party leader Ramgopal Yadav is learnt to have said the session could not proceed unless the government agreed to discuss SIR. Others reportedly told the Centre it would be responsible if Parliament stalled. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, however, said no leader had stated outright that they would block the session over SIR. “In democracy, there are differences between parties,” he said. “Despite differences, the House should not be disturbed in order to improve productivity.”
