Forget about numbers, every word you say is valuable to us: PM to opposition
Agencies
New Delhi:At the start of the first budget session of NDA 2, Prime Minister Narendra Modi struck a conciliatory note with the opposition asking the non-NDA players to shun their concern about numbers and trust that the opposition word is valuable for the government.
“A strong and active opposition is the sine qua non of a healthy democracy. I urge the opposition leaders to forget their concern about numbers. Every word the opposition says, every sentiment the opposition expresses is valuable to us. When we sit in MP’s chair, we no longer represent camps. I hope we can work neutrally for national good,” Modi said in his customary start of the session address.
He said the current session would present an occasion for everyone to know the new members.
“When the new members come new hopes and new dreams also come. Indian democracy’s strength is getting revealed in every election. The highest-ever women representation and enhanced women voting marked the just-concluded election. After many decades people elected a government with full majority and with higher mandate,” the PM said seeking opposition support in realising people’s dreams.
He said the experience in the past five years had been that whenever Parliament had functioned in a healthy environment many decisions of national well-being had been taken.
“Based on this experience I hope all parties will raise the bar for debates, will help take people-friendly decisions and work with us to realise people’s aspirations,” Modi said.
Referring to his “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas slogan”, the PM said the government would work towards its pledge.
“In democracy a strong and active opposition is essential and I hope the opposition leaders will cast away the concerns of numbers. For us their words and sentiments are valuable…I hope instead of getting divided into camps we will work neutrally to further the dignity of the House and national good,” the PM said.
He said he was hopeful that Parliament’s productivity would improve and everyone would see greater collective concern for national issues.
“I urge you all MPs to lift the quality of the debate though sometimes there’s no relation between creative debate and TRPs. Credible criticism of the government is welcome,” he said.
The PM has called a meeting of political parties leaders on Wednesday to discuss ‘one nation one election’ and a day later he will host a dinner for all MPs.
The Lok Sabha on Monday will witness oath-taking by new MPs. Pro tem speaker Virendra Kumar will administer the oath.
