A DAY after the BJP returned to power in Madhya Pradesh and ousted the Congress in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the people had “rejected negativity”, and advised the Opposition to “move forward with positivity”. Saying that the “political heat is rising rapidly”, Modi, in his customary remarks to the media ahead of the Winter Session on Monday, said: “When there is good governance and consistent support for public welfare, the term 'anti-incumbency' becomes irrelevant.” Asking the Opposition not to “vent its frustration” over the Assembly polls defeat inside Parliament, Modi said: “I would like to tell my Opposition colleagues that they have a golden opportunity. Instead of planning to vent frustration over defeat in this session, if they learn from this defeat, shun the idea of negativity that has been prevalent for the past nine years, and move forward with positivity in this session, the country's perspective towards them will change. A new door may open for them. and even if they are in the Opposition, I am giving them good advice to come forward with positive thoughts. If we take 10 steps, then you should take 12 steps while making decisions.” With the last few sessions witnessing chaos and disruptions, Modi said: “I say on the basis of my experience. change your direction a bit, leave the habit of opposing for the sake of opposing. Support constructive things that are in the country's interest, debate the shortcomings that are there, and you will see that the hatred among the people over certain issues may change into love.” He urged MPs to come prepared for debates and give suggestions to the government. “If there is no debate, these. opportunities are lost,” he said. “The Opposition is as crucial, valuable, and powerful in a democracy, and it should be equally capable,” he said. “The country has rejected negativity. We consistently have discussions with Opposition colleagues at the beginning of each session. This time too, all these processes have been followed as well,” he said. “I want to say from the political point of view that it is in your (Opposition) interest also to give a message of positivity to the country. It is not good for democracy that your image is of hate and negativity,” he said. “Everyone's future is bright, there is no need to lose hope but please don't vent the frustration of defeats suffered outside, inside Parliament. There would be frustration and disappointment, also your colleagues would need to show their strength but don't make this temple of democracy that platform,” he said. Reiterating his earlier statements on the “four important castes” – women, youth, farmers and the poor – he said: “The programmes focused on the empowerment of these groups through proper policies and last-mile delivery gain a lot of support. When there is good governance and there is a commitment for the welfare of the people, there is no anti-incumbency. Some people call it pro-incumbency, some call it good governance, some transparency, while some call it concrete schemes in national interest, but this is being experienced constantly.” The Winter Session of Parliament is scheduled to have 15 sittings till December 22. Meanwhile, Opposition members disrupted Lok Sabha proceedings on the first day of the session after BSP MP Danish Ali held a protest demanding action against BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri for allegedly making derogatory remarks against him. With two placards around his neck saying “Humiliation to an MP is an insult to Parliament” and “Punish Bidhuri, save democracy”, Ali went to the well of the House and shouted slogans. “You should go out. You are not supposed to bring placards inside the House,” Speaker Om Birla told him. With the Opposition MPs standing in support of the BSP MP, the House was adjourned for an hour.
