By The parliament witnessed a rare bonhomie this morning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi praising his predecessor Monmohan Singh for being an “inspiration” for lawmakers.
Bidding farewell to the retiring members, the Prime Minister recalled when Mr Singh arrived at the Parliament in a wheelchair to cast his vote over a key legislation.
“I remember during the voting in the House, it was known that the treasury bench would win but Dr Manmohan Singh came on his wheelchair and cast his vote. This an example of a member being alert of his duties. He was an inspirational example,” he said.
Unusual Praise: Modi’s Recognition of Singh’s Contributions
The Prime Minister said it wasn’t about who Mr Singh was supporting and that he believes “he was only strengthening this democracy.”
“I pray that he lives long and keep guiding us,” he added.
In August, Mr Singh had reached the parliament in a wheelchair during a discussion on a key bill that sought to empower the central government to make rules in affairs related to the Delhi government. During Presidential elections too, he had arrived in a wheelchair to cast his vote.
Manmohan Singh’s contributions as a leader and in the opposition has been immense, the Prime Minister said. “Ideological differences are short lived, but the way Manmohan Singh has guided this House and the country for such a long period, he will be remembered for his contributions during every discussion on our democracy,” he added.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, who spoke next, thanked PM Modi for his words about Manmohan Singh.
“Manmohan Singh did good work. I thank the PM for his words. This is how things should be. Appreciate good work and criticise the bad,” said the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha.
Post a comment Manmohan Singh, a six-time MP, has served as the country’s 13th Prime Minister between 2004 and 2014. He was also the Finance Minister in the PV Narasimha Rao government and RBI Governor from 1982-1985.
Manmohan Singh “inspiration” for lawmakers:
New Delhi:
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh came to the Parliament in a wheelchair to participate in the crucial Rajya Sabha session where The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 is being discussed.
The bill empowers the Central Government to make rules in connection with the affairs of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, including the functions, terms, and other conditions of service of officers and employees.
The Congress party has issued a three-line whip for its MPs, urging them to be present in the Rajya Sabha on Monday. “Very important issues will be taken up for discussion in the Rajya Sabha tomorrow, i.e. Monday, August 7, 2023,” Congress stated in a notification of August 4 which was made public on Sunday.
It further said that, “All members of Congress party in the Rajya Sabha are requested to kindly remain present in the House from 11:00 A.M. onwards till the adjournment of the House on Monday, August 7, 2023 without fail and support the party stand.” This may be treated as most important, it added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah moved the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, for passage in the House after opposition members moved a resolution disapproving the ordinance brought by the government in May this year. The bill was passed by Lok Sabha last week.
Opposition parties, who are in I.N.D.I.A bloc, are opposed to the bill. The House is seeing an orderly debate on the bill. Rajya Sabha has seen daily disruptions during the monsoon session of Parliament over opposition’s demand for detailed discussion on Manipur situation and statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
