Winter Session: Govt not averse to discussing SIR, says Rijiju

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “The record voter turnout in the recent elections in Bihar is the greatest strength of democracy. The increasing participation of mothers and sisters is, in itself, creating new hope and new confidence. On one hand, the strengthening of democracy, and now within this democratic system, the strengthening of the economy is also being closely watched by the world. India has proven that democracy can deliver results.”

PM Narendra Modi says, “Negativity may be useful in politics. But ultimately, there should be some positive thinking for nation-building. I expect you to keep negativity within limits and focus on nation-building. This winter session is also important for another reason. Our new Chairman will give guidance to our Upper House. I wish him all the best. GST reforms have created an atmosphere of reverence among the countrymen. A lot of work will be done in that direction in this session as well...”

PM Narendra Modi says, “...I urge all parties, in this winter session, that the panic of defeat should not become a ground for debate. As public representatives, we should handle the responsibility and expectations of the people of the country with utmost balance and responsibility, while thinking about the future...

“This session should focus on what this Parliament thinks about the country, what it wants to do for the country. The focus should be on these issues. The Opposition should also fulfil its responsibility. They should raise such issues, strong issues. They should overcome the disappointment of defeat. And unfortunately, there are some parties that are unable to digest the defeat. And I was thinking that since so much time has passed since the Bihar results came, they might have calmed down a bit. But from what I heard yesterday, it seems that defeat has troubled them...”

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi moves an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha: “I seek to move an Adjournment Motion to raise an issue of grave national concern. Vulnerabilities in our electoral rolls now threaten the very foundation of free and fair elections. At a time when faith in institutions is already strained, irregularities in voter lists raise serious questions about the commitment of authorities to uphold the democratic mandate. The credibility of our electoral system depends on modernising how voter lists are prepared.”