Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday set the tone for the upcoming winter session of Parliament, appealing to Opposition parties to engage in meaningful debate and prioritise national interest over political confrontation. Speaking to the media before the session began, the Prime Minister said Parliament should be used to shape the country’s future rather than to settle political scores.

Calling for a responsible and forward-looking approach, PM Modi remarked, “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.”

The Prime Minister also said that the Opposition must play its role effectively, especially after the recently concluded elections. Encouraging them to participate constructively, he stated, “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.”

In a pointed remark directed at parties still coming to terms with electoral setbacks, PM Modi added, “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.”