Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address to the Rajya Sabha on the beginning of its 250th session, heaped praises on the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Biju Janata Dal (BJD). The Prime Minister’s praise for the NCP comes at a time when Maharashtra is going through political turmoil.
Today I want to appreciate two parties:@NCPspeaks @bjd_odisha
These parties have wonderfully adhered to Parliamentary norms. They have never ventured into the well. Yet, they have made their points very effectively.
Much can be learnt from these practices: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2019
Narendra Modi complimented the two parties for their decision to never venture into the well of the House. He said that the success they have achieved during elections is evidence of the fact that political victories can be scored without violating Parliamentary norms. He said that every party, including the BJP, could learn from the conduct of these two parties.
The Prime Minister also said that the function of the Rajya Sabha is providing checks and balance. However, he emphasized that there is a significant difference between checking and ‘clogging’ and balance and ‘blocking’.
The Rajya Sabha is about checks and balance. This is absolutely essential for our democracy. Debates have to be many and effective.
But, there is also a difference between:
Checking and clogging.
Balance and blocking: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 18, 2019
Narendra Modi also praised the Rajya Sabha for its historic role in the abrogation of Article 370, the passage of the Triple Talaq Bill and the GST Bill. His praise for the NCP comes at a time when BJP’s traditional partner Shiv Sena dumped it in an attempt to secure an alliance with the NCP. However, thus far, Uddhar Thackeray and his men haven’t been successful thus far in their pursuit of the Chief Minister’s chair.
While the BJP will insist that the Prime Minister’s remarks had little to do with the political circumstances in Maharashtra, observers will no doubt note the political undertones of his comments, and perhaps with good reason.
