The Winter Session of Parliament commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing members and formally welcoming CP Radhakrishnan as the new Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. PM Modi lauded Radhakrishnan’s journey from a farmer’s family to a life dedicated to social service, emphasizing his profound impact on communities, particularly tribal groups. The Prime Minister noted Radhakrishnan’s remarkable ability to forgo protocol and connect with citizens on the ground, a quality he believes will be invaluable to the Rajya Sabha. He expressed optimism that the House would maintain its esteemed standards under the new Chairman’s guidance.
In his pre-session remarks, Prime Minister Modi also directed sharp criticism at the opposition. He accused them of turning parliamentary proceedings into an ‘election warm-up arena’ or a space to vent post-election disappointment. The Prime Minister advocated for a shift towards constructive politics and nation-building, stating that Parliament should be a place of ‘delivery’ rather than ‘drama.’ He highlighted the significance of the current session as a catalyst for national development and urged that opportunities be provided for first-time and young parliamentarians to contribute their perspectives on constituency and national issues, ensuring their voices are not stifled.