PM Modi quotes Rajiv Gandhi to assail Congress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday quoted Rajiv Gandhi to hit out at the Opposition over repeated disruptions in Parliament, saying the House is a forum where the government is questioned and allowed to give its account.

"Debate will be more fruitful if procedure is followed, these are not my words, this was said by former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi," he said.

Expressing grave concern about the recent happenings in Parliament, Prime Minister Modi said everybody is at a loss when Parliament is not allowed to function.

"When Parliament sessions are not functional, the nation suffers. Treasury benches don't suffer as much as the country. Lawmakers suffer the most as they are not able to raise voice of the people in the House," he said.

"Hindering debate in the House is very counter-productive. Bills that are to be passed are for the people. They are for freeing the system from middlemen," he said.

Prime Minister Modi said every party needs to cooperate to pass the important bills.

He thanked President Pranab Mukherjee for highlighting India's growth in his speech.

"We must always seek President's advice," he said while giving the vote of thanks to the President's speech on the opening day of the Budget Session.

The Prime Minister also thanked Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, saying she has taken steps to ensure empowerment of women.