New Delhi : Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying raising critical issues such as Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and air pollution in Delhi in Parliament was not a drama. Reacting to the Prime Minister’s remarks, Priyanka Gandhi hit back, saying, “…Election situation, SIR and pollution are huge issues. Let us discuss them. What is Parliament for? It’s not drama. Speaking about and raising issues is not drama. Drama is not allowing democratic discussions about issues that matter to the public.”
In his customary address to the media ahead of the session, PM Modi urged Opposition leaders not to turn the Winter Session into a stage for theatrics, while also taunting them by saying he could offer tips on how they should carry out their official responsibilities. He took a dig at the Opposition for their tactics to interrupt House proceedings in the past, saying the MPs “should change their strategy” now. “The game the Opposition have been playing for the past 10 years is no longer acceptable to the people. They should change their strategy. I am ready to give them a few tips,” the Prime Minister said.
Whoever wants to do drama can do it. There should be delivery here and not drama. The emphasis should be on policy and not slogans,” he added. PM Modi stressed that first-time MPs were getting frustrated as they were unable to get their chances to speak about the issues in their respective constituencies. First-time MPs, irrespective of their party, must be given a chance, and we should take this seriously. There are many places to do drama. There is space for that – but not here,” he said.
PM Modi’s remarks came as the Winter Session of Parliament – a shorter session this time – began with the government outlining an extensive legislative agenda, including the tabling of 14 Bills. The Opposition has demanded debates on multiple issues, especially the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, suicides of several Booth Level Officers (BLO) and national security concerns following the November 10 Delhi terror attack. The Winter Session will have 15 sittings – a drop from the usual 20 – making it one of the most condensed winter sessions in recent years.
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