New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Parliament’s Winter Session commenced on Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi using the first day to both congratulate newly appointed Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan and deliver a pointed message to Opposition parties about their conduct inside the House.
Speaking in the Upper House, the Prime Minister said Radhakrishnan’s elevation brought “a sense of pride” to the institution, noting that his background in grassroots social work and his years spent engaging with remote communities would enrich parliamentary functioning. Modi recounted the Chairman’s travels through some of Jharkhand’s least-accessible tribal areas, praising his “service-first approach” and his willingness to work without the trappings of authority.
“You come from a humble home and have lived a life committed to the public good,” he said. “Your approach to leadership has always been people-centric, and the House will benefit from that spirit.”
PM pulls up Opposition for ‘election-mode behaviour’
Outside the chambers, the Prime Minister spoke to the press and issued a strong caution to the Opposition, accusing several parties of treating Parliament as an extension of the campaign trail. Without naming any group, he said some members appeared more interested in venting their disappointment after the Bihar election results than in addressing national priorities.
“This session should not become a warm-up act for future polls,” he said. “Parliament is not meant to become an arena for frustration. Its purpose is to push the nation’s development.”
Modi said the session must reflect the country’s aspirations—especially of women and first-time voters, whose turnout in Bihar he described as “deeply encouraging.” He stressed that legislative time should not be squandered on disruptions, calling for debates that move beyond “negativity for political gain.”
‘Let first-time MPs speak’
The Prime Minister also made a plea for greater space for younger and newly elected lawmakers. Many first-time MPs, he said, feel sidelined because they are frequently drowned out by louder disruptions on the floor.
“Give them an opportunity,” Modi urged. “There are many platforms for drama outside these walls. But here, the country expects responsibility.”
The opening day set the tone for what is likely to be a charged session, with a full legislative slate and renewed tensions between treasury and Opposition benches. Whether Modi’s appeal for restraint will translate into smoother proceedings remains to be seen as the session unfolds.
