PM Asks Oppn. To Speak Out On Issues

‘Don’t bother about your numbers’

As the first session of the 17th Lok Sabha commenced on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the Opposition to speak out on issues and not bother about their numbers, in a House where the ruling NDA has 353 seats.

Addressing the press before the session, Mr. Modi said he welcomed all new MPs as with them “comes new hopes, new aspirations and new determination to serve.” “When we come to Parliament we should forget Paksha [Treasury] and Vipaksha [Opposition]. We should think about Nishpaksh spirit’ [objective neutrality] and work in the larger interest of the nation,” he said.

“The role of the Opposition is important in a parliamentary democracy. The Opposition need not bother about their numbers. I hope they speak actively and participate in House proceedings,” he said.

He commended the historically largest contingent of women MPs elected to the 17th Lok Sabha as well.