PM Modi: House is biggest forum for debate

Giving out a clear signal to the Opposition that the government is willing to debate all issues during the Winter Session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said there cannot be a bigger platform for dialogue than the Floor of the House.

The Prime Minister also expressed confidence that the session would witness the best thoughts, best discussions and best innovative ideas.

“There cannot be a bigger platform for a dialogue than the House. Debates, disputes and dialogues are the soul of Parliament. For other things, the entire country is available as an arena,” Mr Modi told reporters in the Parliament House complex on the first day of the month-long Winter Session.

Referring to Wednesday’s all-party meeting, Mr Modi said he had a discussion with leaders of all political parties on the smooth running of the session. “I am happy that all political parties presented a positive outlook for dialogue and debate. I hope all the MPs will leave no stone unturned to live up to the expectations the country has of Parliament,” Mr Modi said.

While Opposition wants a debate on the issue of tolerance, government has made it clear that it is willing to discuss every issue raised on the Floor of the House.

Referring to Constitution Day being observed on November 26 to mark the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on this date in 1949, he said awareness about the Constitution should increase across India. He suggested that the Preamble of the Constitution should be studied by students and it should gradually become a part of people’s day-to-day life. “It is our endeavour,” he said.

“It is fortunate that it is the year of B.R. Ambedkar’s 125th birth anniversary — the man who played a key role in drafting the Constitution. The coincidence is inspiring. You must have seen the Parliament House complex lit up to mark the day. And I am confident that during the session best thoughts, best discussion and best innovative ideas will light up the House,” the Prime Minister said.

He said the Constitution is a ray of hope. “It is a guide. It lights up our path constantly. When I say hope — it stands for ’harmony’, ‘opportunity’, ‘people’s participation’ and ‘equality’.”