‘Active Opposition Important in Parliamentary Democracy’:PM Modi

PM Modi addressed the media as he arrived for the first session of 17th Lok Sabha, at Parliament.

(Photo: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday, 17 June, said an active Opposition is important in a parliamentary democracy, and that they need not bother about their numbers but speak actively and participate in House proceedings, PTI reported.

Speaking to the media ahead of the commencement of the 17th Lok Sabha, Modi said he is hopeful that this session will be productive.

“The role of an 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.”

PM Modi

He urged all MPs to think of the country when in the House and address issues related to the larger interest of the nation.

"When we come to Parliament, we should forget Paksh (treasury) and Vipaksh (Opposition). We should think about issues with a 'nishpaksh' (impartial) spirit and work in the larger interest of the nation," he said.

Modi also highlighted the involvement of women in this election and said the new House has a high number of women MPs.

“Since independence, this Lok Sabha election saw the highest number of women voters and women MPs,” Modi said.

PM Modi called for all parties to support decisions taken in favour of the people, saying that the people had given the government another chance to serve them.

"My experience suggests that when the Parliament functions smoothly, we are able to fulfil numerous aspirations of the people of India," he said, reported PTI.

The first session of 17th Lok Sabha commenced in New Delhi on Monday with PM Modi, who is also the leader of the House, taking oath as Member.

(With inputs from PTI.)