President Pranab Mukherjee for House debate, PM Modi says feel free to criticise govt

The Rajya Sabha is scheduled to take up a discussion on Tuesday on the unrest at Hyderabad University following the suicide of Dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula last month, and the sedition row at JNU.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told reporters outside Parliament: “I hope Parliament will be utilised for intensive discussions. There should be full criticism of the government. The deficiencies of the government should also be exposed. And, that is the only way to strengthen democracy and fulfil hopes and aspirations of common people.”

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He added, “The eyes of 125 crore countrymen are focused on Parliament… The world is also paying attention to the budget session due to India’s position in the global economy today.”

Modi said there had been discussions with parties on “rising above formalities” and “one-on-one talks have also taken place”. “In our meetings, friends from opposition have shown a positive attitude and people will feel it (during the session),” he said.

However, there appeared to be a disconnect between the government and the opposition.

Only External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley were seen exchanging pleasantries with Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

Later, when Lok Sabha dispersed after meeting briefly, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi left by the time Modi walked over to the other side to greet opposition members.

Mukherjee, meanwhile, said the government was committed to firmly dealing with all challenges concerning the security of the country. Speaking on the Pathankot attack, the President said, “Let me congratulate the security forces in successfully foiling the recent attack… Firm and effective steps will be taken to deal with any situation arising out of cross-border terrorism.”

On India-Pakistan ties, he said, “My government is committed to forging a mutually respectful relationship with Pakistan and in creating an environment of cooperation in combating cross border terrorism.”

On the government’s development agenda, the President said, “Development for all means that backward sections of society are equally valued and are genuine stakeholders in the country’s progress. Development for all implies that we tackle the pollution, traffic, and garbage problems that plague our cities.”

He added, “The over-riding goal for my government is poverty eradication… Removing the scourge of poverty and destitution is our most sacred moral responsibility.”

Mukherjee also praised the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and three new insurance and pension schemes launched by the government.