Just ahead of the first day of the 17th Lok Sabha, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the opposition not to bother about their numbers but instead, they should speak actively and participate in the proceedings of the parliament.
Modi Wants Active Participation From Opposition
While discussing the role of opposition in the new Lok Sabha, Modi told the media, “Opposition and an active Opposition is important in a parliamentary democracy. The Opposition need not bother about their numbers. I hope they speak actively and participate in house proceedings.” He also requested the parliamentarians to contribute towards nation-building in an impartial way.
Modi said, “When we come to Parliament, we should forget Paksh (allies) and Vipaksh (opposition). We should think about issues with a ‘Nishpaksh spirit’ (unbiased) and work in the larger interest of the nation.” The PM also suggested that all the MPs should ensure that the proceedings of the Parliament progress smoothly so that people’s aspirations are fulfilled.
Modi Talks About New Hopes, Aspirations And Determination To Serve
Today marks the start of the first session after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. I welcome all new MPs. With them comes new hopes, new aspirations and new determination to serve: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 17, 2019
On the occasion of the first day of the first session after the Lok Sabha 2019 elections, the Prime Minister welcomed all the new Members of the Parliament and said, “With them comes new hopes, new aspirations and new determination to serve”.
I am happy that this new house has a high number of women MPs.
My experience also suggests that when the Parliament functions smoothly, we are able to fulfil numerous aspirations of the people of India: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 17, 2019
He also expressed satisfaction as high number of women MPs are joining the House this session. Ahead of the session, 3 senior ministers of the NDA government met with the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi with the view to ensure that the opposition does not create unnecessary obstacles during the session.
The ministers who met the Congress leader include parliamentary working mos Arjun Meghwal, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi, and Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar. The meeting was seen as an effort by the government to create a cordial relationship with the opposition. The government faces the challenge of converting 10 ordinances into law for which it will need the support of the opposition.
Moreover, the speaker for the Lok Sabha is yet to be selected. The new speaker of parliament will be selected on June 19 and most probably the ruling party wanted to know the opinion of the opposition party on this issue.
