Prime Minister Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: On the opening day of the Parliament Winter Session on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on behalf of the House, welcomed Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan as he presided over the Rajya Sabha for the first time. Radhakrishnan assumed office in September, becoming the country’s new Vice President and succeeding Jagdeep Dhankhar.Addressing the Rajya Sabha, PM Modi said, “Respected Chairman, the Winter Session is beginning today and it is a proud moment for all members of the House. It is a proud moment to welcome you…On behalf of the House, I heartily congratulate you. And I wish you all the best.”The prime minister assured full cooperation from MPs, saying, “I assure you that all the members sitting in this House, while maintaining the dignity of the Upper House, will always take care of your dignity as well. I assure you that they will maintain decorum. Our Chairman comes from a simple family, a farmer’s family, and he has dedicated his entire life to social service. The political field has been one aspect of it, but the mainstream has been social service. He has been dedicated to society. He is an inspiration and a guide for all of us who are interested in social service.”PM Modi also recounted the Radhakrishnan’s work in Jharkhand, saying, “I saw the bond you forged with the tribal communities in Jharkhand. The way you visited even small villages, the chief minister of Jharkhand would proudly mention these things whenever he met me. Whether you had a helicopter or not, you would travel in whatever vehicle you had, stopping at small places at night. We all know your spirit of service and the way you took it to new heights as Governor... I have realised one thing that people sometimes feel the burden of their position, and sometimes they get overwhelmed by protocol. But I’ve noticed that you have no connection with protocol…”Earlier in the day, just before the Winter Session began, PM Modi addressed the media and targeted the Opposition, urging them to move past their defeat in the recent Bihar assembly elections. He also took a jibe at the Opposition’s approach in Parliament, saying, “Whoever wants to do drama can do it. There should be delivery here and not drama…the emphasis should be on policy, not slogans.”

Kharge welcomes new VP, quotes Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Rajya Sabha leader of opposition and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge also addressed the House and welcomed the new Vice-President Radhakrishnan on behalf of opposition members. He said, “I rise today on my own behalf and on behalf of all opposition members to heartily congratulate you on assuming the office of Chairman of Rajya Sabha.”He then went on to quote former president Sarvepalli Radhakrishan and said “I consider it apt to quote the following sayings of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. On 16th May 1952, he said, “I belong to no party.” I’m saying this because many people claimed that you belong to their party…”“A democracy is likely to degenerate into a tyranny if it does not allow the opposition groups to criticise fairly, freely and frankly the policies of the government. This is Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s speech.”