New Delhi, Dec 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Opposition, asserting that Parliament is a place for “delivery, not drama”, and accusing rival parties of using the House as a “warm-up arena” for elections or an outlet to vent frustration after electoral defeats.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament on the first day of the Winter Session, Modi urged all parties to treat Parliament as a forum for constructive debate focused on policy and national interest. He said he was willing to offer the Opposition “tips to bring positivity in politics” if they wished to change their approach.
Modi criticised the Opposition for frequently disrupting proceedings in past sessions, saying those who wish to indulge in theatrics can do so elsewhere, but Parliament must remain a platform for serious, result-oriented discussions. “Even for slogans, you can speak anywhere in the country. But in Parliament, the focus should be on policy, not slogans,” he said.
He pointed to the Opposition’s repeated protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, which had led to the washout of the Monsoon Session. Several Opposition parties have also threatened disruptions in the Winter Session over SIR exercises in nine states and three Union territories unless the matter is debated in Parliament.
Modi said that for some time, Parliament has been treated either as preparation for elections or as a space to release frustration after electoral losses. Referencing the NDA’s landslide win in the Bihar elections, he said the Opposition appears unable to digest defeat. “Defeat should not be ground for disruption. Victory should not lead to arrogance,” he added.
Calling for informed and balanced debate, he urged members to offer accurate and constructive criticism wherever needed, stressing that this strengthens democracy by giving citizens better information. He said the Winter Session should reflect responsibility and dignity from all public representatives.
Modi described the record voter turnout in Bihar as a sign of the nation’s democratic strength and said the Opposition must rise above “depression” after losing elections. He added that the tactics the Opposition has used for the last decade are no longer acceptable to the public and that they should rethink their strategy.
The Prime Minister also said some Opposition leaders’ recent remarks showed they were struggling to accept the electoral verdict. He urged parties to give space to the new generation of MPs, stating that Parliament and the nation must benefit from their fresh perspectives and experiences.
