Modi laments lack of wit during Lok Sabha proceedings as members are apprehensive of the 24X7 media twisting facts
New Delhi : Prime Miniser Narendra Modi on Tuesday lamented the growing absence of wit and humour in Parliamentary proceedings remarking that lawmakers fear how media will play it up. “Humour and wit are gradually fading away from Parliamentary proceedings as members are apprehensive as to what colour the 24×7 (media) would give to even one proverb they utter,” he said.
He recalled a barb by Sushma Swaraj on Sharad Pawar during a function in Parliament some two decades back dubbing him as Lalita Pawar (veteran actress known for her negative roles). He said while the NCP leader thoroughly enjoyed the remark, there was no proper coverage of the light banter. The Prime Minister also said that Parliament does not function only on the basis of oratory.
“As long as there is no confluence of oratory, action and leadership, neither Parliament can be influenced nor nations would be inspired”, he said. He also wanted a survey to be undertaken to get feedback from the people about the functioning of Parliament. He said this would give ideas on how to move forward.
Modi was speaking at a function at which Arun Jaitley, Karan Singh and Sharad Yadav were presented the outstanding Parliamentarian awards by President Pranab Mukherjee in the presence of Vice President Hamid Ansari and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan
along with a galaxy of
parliamentarians.
He suggested that the Lok Sabha call a meeting of the state assembly Speakers to explore the possibility of giving such awards to legislators. Modi also heaped praise on the President who pops out with dates and time of historical events and detailed information and wondered of “what software his brain was made of”. “A half-an-hour talk with him is like reading a good book,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Mukherjee said he was touched by the gesture of the Prime Minister when he bowed his head at the stairs of Parliament after winning the Lok Sabha elections as this symbolises the dignity and sanctity of the temple of democracy.
The President urged the newly-elected members of Lok Sabha to uphold the dignity of Parliament. Vice President Hamid Ansari expressed happiness that the Upper House was winner in “absolute and per capita” manner in awards as all three members who won the awards were now members of the Rajya Sabha.
Parliament session likely
to be extended
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday indicated that the parliament session may be extended.
According to sources, in a meeting of the BJP parliamentary party, Naidu asked the MPs to ‘be prepared’ in case the session is extended. BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy, meanwhile, said that the government had legislative business which needs to be completed.
“The opposition has been disrupting the house. The government has some key bills to pass and, if needed, the session may be extended,” said Rudy.
