Parliament disruptions deny new MPs a voice, says PM Modi at NDA meeting

Expressing concern over repeated disruptions in Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (August 7) said that the constant ruckus has prevented the country from hearing many talented and newly elected MPs.

PM Modi made the remarks during a breakfast meeting with more than 40 MPs from NDA allies, including the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), Shiv Sena, Republican Party of India (Athawale), Rashtriya Lok Morcha, AIADMK and UPPL.

The meeting came amid recent political realignments. Twenty Lok Sabha MPs who left the Trinamool Congress (TMC) joined the NCPI in June, while six MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT) shifted to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, raising its strength in the Lower House to 13. The NCPI has since joined the NDA.

Allies attend meet

Among those present were NCPI MPs Khalilur Rahaman, Yusuf Pathan and Abu Taher Khan, who had skipped two earlier NDA parliamentary meetings and met Union Home Minister Amit Shah a day before the breakfast.

Senior NDA leaders such as Ramdas Athawale, Upendra Kushwaha, M. Thambi Durai and Pramod Boro also attended, along with Union Health Minister JP Nadda and BJP president Nitin Nabin.

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NCPI MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar said members were "overwhelmed" by PM Modi’s interaction with them. "The Prime Minister said those who are with the NDA for the last 20 years or even one year are all family members. He said we will work hard for the development of West Bengal and the eight northeastern states. We all will work together. This is a very good message he has given to us, we all will work together,” she added.

Call for debate

Shiv Sena MP Jyoti Waghmare said PM Modi stressed the need for smooth parliamentary functioning. "The prime minister said due to the disruption in Parliament, the country could not listen to the talented and new MPs. He said the country's issues should be discussed in Parliament,” he added.

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Health and fitness also featured in the discussion. NCPI leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay said, "The PM asked who amongst us do yoga. He asked us to get a health checkup done every week. He spoke about development of eastern and Northeastern region."

Satabdi Roy said PM Modi encouraged MPs, particularly those over 40, to practise yoga regularly and undergo periodic health checkups.

Numbers challenge remains

The meeting took place as Parliament continues to witness frequent disruptions during the Monsoon Session. The government is also making a renewed effort to pass a constitutional amendment providing 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures from 2029.

Although the NDA’s strength has risen to 299 in the Lok Sabha, it still remains short of the 360 votes needed to secure passage of a constitutional amendment.

(With agency inputs)