Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha farewell session, urging new Members of Parliament to learn from the experience and dedication of veteran leaders.<\/p>\n
The Rajya Sabha witnessed an important parliamentary moment on Wednesday as members bid farewell to MPs who are set to retire after completing their terms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the House during the farewell session and acknowledged the contributions of 37 retiring members to parliamentary democracy and public life. The Prime Minister highlighted the long careers and experience of senior leaders such as H. D. Deve Gowda, Mallikarjun Kharge and Sharad Pawar, noting that these leaders have spent more than half their lives in Parliament and have played significant roles in shaping India\u2019s democratic processes.
\nPrime Minister Modi described Parliament as an \u201copen university\u201d where members continuously learn from one another through debate, dialogue and legislative participation. He said that political life never truly comes to an end and that public service continues even after a parliamentary term concludes. The Prime Minister encouraged newly elected MPs to observe and learn from the discipline, commitment and dedication displayed by veteran parliamentarians. According to him, the experience of senior leaders enriches parliamentary functioning and helps strengthen democratic traditions.<\/p>\n
Recognition of veteran leaders<\/p>\n
During his address Prime Minister Modi specifically referred to leaders like H. D. Deve Gowda, Mallikarjun Kharge and Sharad Pawar who have served the nation for several decades. Their long parliamentary careers have contributed to shaping policies, legislative debates and democratic institutions. Modi emphasised that such leaders represent a wealth of institutional knowledge and experience which younger members can learn from. The presence of senior parliamentarians in the House provides guidance and continuity in democratic governance.<\/p>\n
Parliament beyond political differences<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Modi noted that farewell sessions offer an opportunity for members to rise above political differences and recognise the contributions made by colleagues across party lines. Parliamentary democracy thrives on debate and disagreement but also requires mutual respect among members. He highlighted that democratic institutions become stronger when lawmakers maintain dignity and follow established parliamentary traditions. According to the Prime Minister, the culture of acknowledging contributions and maintaining civility reflects the strength of India\u2019s democratic system.<\/p>\n
Developments during the Budget Session<\/p>\n
Wednesday marked the eighth day of the second phase of the Budget Session of Parliament. During the proceedings in the Rajya Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman responded to questions raised by members and later introduced the Appropriation Bill. The government sought approval for additional expenditure of \u20b92.01 lakh crore for the financial year 2025\u201326. After discussion, the Rajya Sabha passed the Appropriation Bill, 2026 through a voice vote and returned it to the Lok Sabha.
\nThe House also addressed the issue of suspended MPs. The suspension of eight Members of Parliament was revoked, allowing them to rejoin the proceedings of the House. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju moved a motion regarding the matter which was passed by voice vote. Earlier, Congress leader K. Suresh expressed regret over the \u201cunintentional actions\u201d of certain members, and the proposal received support from several MPs including Dharmendra Yadav and Supriya Sule.<\/p>\n
Discussion in the Lok Sabha<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha discussed the demands for grants related to the Ministry of Railways. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that India is witnessing unprecedented infrastructure development under the leadership of the Prime Minister. He highlighted ongoing modernisation initiatives within the railway sector aimed at improving passenger services and strengthening freight transportation systems across the country.
\nLeader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge also addressed the House during the farewell session. He noted that many of the members who are being bid farewell may return to Parliament in the future. Kharge emphasised that public service does not end with the completion of a parliamentary term and that many leaders continue contributing to society in various ways after leaving the House.<\/p>\n
Importance of parliamentary traditions<\/p>\n
The farewell ceremony in the Rajya Sabha reflected one of the key traditions of parliamentary democracy where members acknowledge each other\u2019s contributions regardless of political differences. Parliament functions not only as a legislative institution but also as a forum for sharing experiences, ideas and perspectives. The guidance of senior leaders often plays a crucial role in helping new members understand parliamentary procedures and democratic responsibilities. Through his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the importance of respecting parliamentary traditions and learning from experienced lawmakers to strengthen the functioning of India\u2019s democratic institutions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha farewell session, urging new Members of Parliament to learn from the experience and dedication of veteran leaders. The Rajya Sabha witnessed an important parliamentary moment on Wednesday as members bid farewell to MPs who are set to retire after completing their terms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":61,"featured_media":73054,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-73583","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-national"],"yoast_head":"\n