Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said an active Opposition is important in a parliamentary democracy, adding that they need not bother about their numbers but should speak actively and participate in House proceedings.
Speaking to the media ahead of the commencement of the 17th Lok Sabha, Modi said he is hopeful that this session will be productive.
“The role of an Opposition and an active Opposition is important in a parliamentary democracy. The Opposition need not bother about their numbers. I hope they speak actively and participate in House proceedings," he said.
He urged all MPs to think of the country when in the House and address issues related to the larger interest of the nation.
"When we come to Parliament, we should forget Paksh (treasury) and Vipaksh (opposition). We should think about issues with a 'nishpaksh' (non-partition) spirit and work in the larger interest of the nation," he said.
Modi also said the new House has a high number of women MPs.
"My experience suggests that when the Parliament functions smoothly, we are able to fulfil numerous aspirations of the people of India," he said.
Pro-tem speaker sworn in
President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday swore in seven-term member of Parliament Virendra Kumar as the pro-tem (temporary) speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Kumar will oversee the oath-taking of newly elected LS members on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, as soon as a new speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha is elected, his role will cease to exist.
Kumar, 65, won the Lok Sabha election from Tikamgarh in Madhya Pradesh on a BJP ticket. He was a minister of state in the previous Modi government.
As pro-tem speaker, Kumar will preside over the first sitting of the Lok Sabha and administer the oath to the newly elected MPs. He will also oversee the election of the Lok Sabha speaker.
The first session of the newly constituted Lok Sabha will be held from June 17 to July 26.
