India’s new Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan held his first formal meeting with leaders of various political parties in Parliament on Tuesday. During the meeting, he appealed to all parties for cooperation in running the House smoothly. Radhakrishnan said that debates should be conducted while adhering to parliamentary traditions and decorum, and no one should cross the “Lakshman Rekha.” He stressed that the House symbolizes the dignity of public representatives and the ideals of democracy, and therefore, dialogue should be given priority over disruption.
Radhakrishnan said, “MPs have the right to speak, but we must not cross the ‘Lakshman Rekha’. There can be no democracy without differences.” He emphasized that debate and disagreement in Parliament are the soul of democracy, but that decorum and discipline must be adhered to. He appealed to all parties to cooperate in ensuring the smooth functioning of the House so that meaningful debates can take place on issues of public concern.
Health Minister and Leader of the Upper House J.P. Nadda, Congress Deputy Leader Pramod Tiwari, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan attended the meeting. However, former Prime Minister and JD(S) leader H.D. Deve Gowda and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge could not attend due to ill health.
During the meeting, Congress Chief Whip Jairam Ramesh demanded that a calling attention and a short duration discussion be allowed on the issues raised by the opposition.
According to sources, Ramesh also urged Radhakrishnan to allow discussion on issues that have not been discussed in recent years—particularly those related to national security and China. He also suggested that all bills be referred to standing committees, as the recently enacted Select Committees on the Public Trust Bill and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) Bill did not have Rajya Sabha members’ representation. Congress Deputy Leader in the Upper House Pramod Tiwari said after the meeting that the Vice President had started a new tradition by holding a formal introductory meeting where he listened to everyone.
After the meeting, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari told reporters, “It was decided that Parliament should function smoothly. The opposition wants to discuss important issues and we should be given a chance to speak. He (the Chairman) assured that he will consider all suggestions and try to ensure smooth functioning of Parliament.”
Meanwhile, DMK MP Tiruchi Siva said Radhakrishnan assured him that he would allow discussion on issues related to the state. “We expect him to treat both sides—the ruling party and the opposition—equally for the smooth functioning of the House,” he said. “We made it clear that we do not intend to disrupt proceedings. As representatives of our constituencies, we need to bring several issues to the House’s attention.”
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