PM Modi asks Oppn to move beyond bitterness of poll defeat; says ‘Parliament is for neeti, not naare’, ahead of Winter Session

“One or two parties cannot digest defeat. I was thinking that after so many days of the Bihar defeat, they must have recovered. But the statements I was hearing yesterday made me feel that they are troubled because of the defeat. But I appeal to all that this Winter Session should not become the field for the bitterness of defeat. And this session should also not become the arrogance of victory,” PM Modi said.

“With balance, and with a sense of responsibility, and taking care of our responsibility as representatives of the people, we should think about the future – how to improve things, how to comment effectively on what is wrong, so that people may be better informed.”

He added, “I worry about one thing – the young MPs and first-time MPs are unhappy. They are unable to show their talent, speak about the problems of their constituency, and express their views to become part of the nation’s progress. They are being stopped from doing this. We should give a chance to new MPs from all parties. The House should benefit from their experiences. The new generation can benefit the nation. So, I appeal that we take these things seriously. There are many places for drama. Here, not drama but delivery is required.”

‘Focus on nation-building’

Taking a dig at the Opposition, PM Modi said, “As for slogans, there is the whole country for it. You raised them where you were defeated; raise them where you go for your next defeat. This place is for neeti (policy) but not naare (slogans).” He added, “It is possible that negativity is useful for politics, but there should be positive thought for nation-building. I hope negativity is kept within bounds and there is focus on nation-building.”

“For some time now, the Parliament has been used either to warm up for elections or to take out the bitterness of defeat in elections. In some states, there is so much anti-incumbency that they are unable to go to the people. So, they take out all their anger in the House, and have started a new practice of using Parliament for the politics of their state,” PM Modi said, adding, “They should introspect – the country has not accepted these games for 10 years. They should change their strategy – I am willing to give them tips.”

“But at least don’t deprive MPs of their rights, allow them to speak. Don’t sacrifice MPs for your hopelessness. I hope that we all move forward with our responsibilities in mind. The country is moving forward on the path of progress, and Parliament will infuse new energy in it,” he stated.

‘Winter Session to energise India on path of progress’

PM Modi said that the Winter Session is not just a ritual. “I fully believe that it will infuse energy into our efforts to take the country on the path of progress at high speed. India has lived democracy. It has time and again exuded the enthusiasm of democracy. The increase in voting percentage in the recent Bihar elections, the rise in women’s voting, give rise to new hope,” he asserted.

“The strength of our democracy and also our economy is being seen closely by the world. India has proved that democracy can deliver. Our economic strength is rising, and is giving us the conviction and strength to become Viksit Bharat.”

PM Modi said that this session “should focus on what Parliament is thinking for the country, what it wants to do for the country, and what it will do for the country”. “The Opposition should also shoulder its responsibility and raise important issues. They should come out of the hopelessness of defeats,” he added.

Modi congratulated the new Rajya Sabha Chairperson, C P Radhakrishnan, who would preside over the Upper House from now. The PM also said that GST reforms have created a positive atmosphere in the minds of people for next-generation reforms.