Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged retiring Rajya Sabha members to share their experiences of the House across the country and inspire coming generations.
Bidding farewell to 72 members, including seven nominated members, who are retiring from Rajya Sabha, the prime minister said, “Experience has its own importance, and I am sure retiring MPs will take it forward in service of the nation.”
“When experienced people go, the responsibility of those remaining increases and they have to take the House forward…,” Modi said.
“In the 75th year of India’s independence, our great men have given us a lot, and now it’s our responsibility to make our contribution to the nation. I urge the retiring members to inspire our coming generations,” the prime minister added.
Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge also spoke and bid farewell to the retiring members, saying “Rajya Sabha is a permanent House, some members will retire while some others will come, it will go on forever. We might have differences of opinions but we have to ensure that we work efficiently.”
“There’s a saying in politics that there are often ups & downs but one should never leave the ground. We should keep that in mind while working for the people,” Kharge said.
Further talking about the Upper House, Kharge said, “Nehruji provided Rajya Sabha with power and integrity. He made RS MPs the members of various committees. Except, in the case of Money bills, both the Houses are equally powerful.”
Earlier in the day, the retiring members of Rajya Sabha had a photo-op session with PM Modi, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu, Deputy Chairman Harivansh and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
On Wednesday, Naidu announced in the House that Zero Hour and Question Hour will not be taken up so that the leaders and members can speak on the occasion.
Naidu, the Vice President of India, will also host a dinner for the 72 retiring MPs at his official residence.
