Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the opposition parties to take a lesson from the setback rather than venting their frustration out on the ruling party in the winter session of Parliament, citing results from four states as evidence that the people of the nation had rejected negative politics.
“If I speak on the basis of the recent election results, this is a golden opportunity for our colleagues sitting in the opposition. Instead of taking out their anger of defeat in this session, if they go ahead with positivity and learn from the defeat and leave behind the tendency of negativity of the last nine years, if they move forward with positivity this session, the country will change its perspective towards them. A new door could open for them,” the PM told reporters just before Parliament assembled.
“Everyone's future is bright, there’s no need for despair. But please, do not vent the frustration of defeat in the House. There might be disappointment. Your colleagues may have to do something to show their strength. But, at least, do not turn this temple of democracy into a platform for expressing frustration. And I say this again, based on my long experience, change your approach a bit, leave the confrontational attitude aside just for the sake of opposition, and contribute positively for the country's benefit,” Modi said, an apparent reference to frequent disruptions in the House leading to adjournments, which take a toll on Parliament’s productivity.
He was greeted with chants of “Baar baar Modi sarkar, teesri baar Modi sarkar” by party members in Lok Sabha during the brief proceedings of the House before it was adjourned for an hour.