Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday sharply criticised the opposition, accusing them of attempting to control Parliament through disruptive tactics for their own political gain. Speaking to reporters ahead of the start of the Winter Session of Parliament, Modi claimed that those who had been repeatedly rejected by the electorate were now resorting to hooliganism in a desperate bid to seize control of the parliamentary agenda.
The Prime Minister’s comments came in the wake of recent election victories by the BJP-led coalition, including a resounding win in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, where the party secured 235 seats, relegating the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) to a mere 49 seats in the 288-member House. Additionally, the BJP also scored a surprise third consecutive victory in Haryana, where the Congress, once considered a pre-poll favourite, was decisively defeated.
Modi, addressing the media, stated, “There should be healthy debates in Parliament, but unfortunately, some individuals are trying to dominate and control the proceedings for their own political motives. They resort to disruptions and chaos, seeking to undermine the functioning of the democratic institution.”
He went on to explain that although such tactics of disruption had not been successful, the Indian public remained observant and would respond accordingly when the time was right. “Their efforts to create disarray fail in the end, and the people are watching their behaviour closely. Justice is eventually served by the people when the time comes,” Modi added.
The Prime Minister further emphasised that he had consistently urged his opposition colleagues to ensure that Parliament ran smoothly. “Some in the opposition have agreed that Parliament should function without interruptions, but those who have been consistently rejected by the public ignore the advice of their own colleagues,” Modi remarked. “They disregard the sentiments of their fellow parliamentarians and the will of the people, which is disrespectful to democracy itself.”
Modi’s scathing remarks also highlighted the apparent disconnect between the opposition parties and the public, suggesting that the opposition’s repeated failures to connect with the electorate had led them to adopt disruptive tactics inside Parliament. He called on MPs to focus on constructive debates that would benefit the nation rather than allowing their actions to be guided by political motives and short-term gains.
The Winter Session of Parliament began on Monday, and it is scheduled to run until December 20. With key legislative business expected to be addressed during this period, including discussions on various policy measures, the Prime Minister’s comments suggest a call for more efficient and productive proceedings.
Critics of the opposition argue that the recent spate of disruptions in Parliament, which has included protests, walkouts, and the blocking of discussions, reflects an attempt to thwart the government’s legislative agenda. Modi’s remarks, however, serve as a direct critique of these tactics, stressing the importance of constructive dialogue in the nation’s legislative body.
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The Prime Minister’s statements also come at a time of heightened political tension between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition parties, especially following the BJP’s resounding electoral successes. While the opposition has criticised the government on various fronts, including handling of the economy and policies concerning farmers, Modi’s government has responded by focusing on the nation’s growth trajectory and the electoral mandate it has received from the public.
The ongoing Winter Session is likely to be a significant one, with both the government and opposition parties gearing up for intense debates on a range of issues, including economic reforms, national security, and other pressing concerns. With Modi’s call for a smooth and uninterrupted session, all eyes will be on how the opposition responds and whether the proceedings will be allowed to unfold without the disruptive tactics that have characterised recent parliamentary sessions.
As the session progresses, it remains to be seen whether Modi’s plea for a more civil and constructive Parliament will be heeded by all parties, or whether further disruptions will take place. The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the legislative landscape and determining how the democratic processes are navigated within the walls of Parliament.
