House or arena? PM fires

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said Parliament is not a place for drama but for delivery and attacked the Opposition, accusing it of turning the House into a “warm-up arena” for elections and an outlet to vent out frustration after defeat.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament ahead of the start of the Winter Session, he said the House must not become a stage for political theatrics but a platform for constructive and result-driven debate, and offered to give the Opposition tips to bring positivity in politics.

“Even for raising slogans, you can do so across the country. You have spoken where you have been defeated. You can also speak where you are yet to face defeat. But in Parliament, the focus should be on policy, not slogans,” PM Modi said in a swipe at Opposition parties for their performance in Bihar. The Monsoon Session of the Parliament was washed out over the Opposition’s protests on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The Opposition has also threatened to stall the Winter Session of the Parliament over SIR if the issue is not discussed in Parliament.

Referring to the drubbing of Opposition parties in the Bihar polls, he said they were perturbed by the electoral loss and unable to digest failure.

“Defeat should not be the ground to create disruption. Victory should not convert into arrogance either,” the PM said.

Highlighting the importance of informed debate, PM Modi urged members to offer constructive and accurate critiques where needed, so that citizens are better informed. “This work is demanding, but it is essential for the nation,” he said.