नवीनतम
PM Modi bids farewell to retiring 59 RS MPs
NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tributes to 59 members retiring from the Rajya Sabha between April and July, calling Parliament "an open university" and urging outgoing legislators to continue contributing to national life.
Addressing the Upper House on the occasion of the biennial farewell, Mr. Modi said such moments naturally dissolve partisan divides.
"A shared sentiment emerges within us all — the realisation that our colleagues are now moving forward to undertake other endeavours," he said.
To members who do not plan to return, the Prime Minister offered reassurance: "In politics, there is no such thing as a full stop. The future awaits you as well, and your experience will forever remain an enduring part of our national life." Mr. Modi reserved special praise for three senior leaders — former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, and Nationalist Congress Party(SP) chief Sharad Pawar — calling them stalwarts who have spent more than half their lives in Parliamentary proceedings.
"The manner in which they continue to attend the House with such dedication is truly exemplary — a spirit from which all new Parliamentarians ought to learn," he said.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to outgoing Deputy Chairman Harivansh, describing him as "gentle and soft-spoken" yet a "man of rigorous action". He noted that Harivansh had continued to travel across the country during recess periods, engaging with the youth on issues of national importance.
In a lighter vein, Mr. Modi singled out Union Minister Ramdas Athawale. "Our Athawale-ji is truly evergreen," he said, drawing laughter in the House.
"He is departing, yet I am confident no one will feel a void — he will continue to serve tirelessly." Reflecting on the bicameral structure of Parliament, the Prime Minister likened the passage of legislation between the two Houses to seeking a "second opinion" — a practice, he said, that strengthens democratic decision-making.
"A decision taken in one House goes to the other for a second opinion. This gives new direction to the entire debate and the decision-making process," he said.
Mr. Modi also noted that some outgoing members had the rare distinction of having served in both old and new Parliament buildings. He described a six-year Rajya Sabha term as "an invaluable opportunity to shape one's life", offering legislators deep insight into the nuances of national affairs.
Addressing the Upper House, Mallikarjun Kharge also said periodic revision of rules was essential to strengthen parliamentary functioning, noting that the matter is currently under consideration by the General Purposes Committee.
He also stressed the need to increase the number of sittings of the Upper House to allow more meaningful discussions on issues of public importance.
Highlighting the role of the Opposition, Kharge said its participation in lawmaking is crucial and any impediment to it would weaken parliamentary institutions.
“Good legislation is not only the work of the ruling party but also of Opposition members who contribute significantly, especially through parliamentary committees,” he said.
Kharge, whose term is ending but who will return to the House, said public life does not end with retirement from Parliament and leaders continue to serve the nation in different capacities.
He emphasised that freedom of expression is fundamental to parliamentary democracy and cautioned against curbing debate and discussion.
The Congress leader also raised concerns over remarks of MPs being expunged from proceedings, saying it often distorts the intent and meaning of their statements.
Calling for broader discussions on issues affecting the poor, farmers, labourers and marginalised sections, Kharge urged the government to take Opposition concerns seriously rather than viewing them as mere criticism.
He concluded by expressing confidence that retiring members would continue contributing meaningfully to public life.
Among the 37 retiring members are Priyanka Chaturvedi, Tiruchi Siva and Abhishek Manu Singhvi.
The remarks come after biennial elections to fill 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states, of which 26 candidates were elected unopposed.
In Bihar, the NDA secured all five seats, while in Odisha, leaders including Manmohan Samal and Santrupt Mishra were elected. In Haryana, Sanjay Bhatia and Karmeveer Singh Bauddh will enter the Upper House.
