Priyanka Gandhi hits back at Modi's 'delivery...not drama needed' remark
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the Opposition to focus on "delivery" instead of "drama" during the Winter Session of Parliament. He said that Parliament should be a forum for serious policy discussions rather than theatrics. The PM's remarks came as he addressed the media ahead of the session, which started with an ambitious legislative agenda that included 14 bills.
Strategy shift
Modi criticizes opposition's past tactics, calls for change
PM Modi also criticized the Opposition's past tactics of disrupting House proceedings. He said, "The game the Opposition have been playing for the past 10 years is no longer acceptable to the people." He suggested they should "change their strategy" and promised to give them a few tips if needed.
Counterpoint
Vadra responds to Modi's remarks on Parliament drama
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has hit back at PM Modi's remarks, saying raising important issues like air pollution and electoral roll revisions is not drama. "What is Parliament for? It's not drama. Speaking about and raising issues is not drama," she said, adding that it is an essential part of democratic discussions. She added, "Drama is not allowing democratic discussions about issues that matter to the public."
Session length
Winter session shorter than usual, opposition raises concerns
The Winter Session this year is shorter than usual, with only 15 sittings instead of the usual 20, one of the shortest sessions in recent memory. The Opposition has raised concerns over this reduction, accusing the government of trying to limit debates and weaken parliamentary discussions. They have demanded discussions on several issues, including national security after a recent terror attack in Delhi and suicides by Booth Level Officers (BLOs).