NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday took a dim view of the suggestion to adjourn Parliament because of the coronavirus outbreak and said MPs should not be seen as abdicating their responsibility as people’s representatives when so many others were attending to the call of duty at great risk to themselves.
Addressing BJP MPs, Modi referred to the growing suggestion that Parliament should go into recess to help MPs dodge the virus. “What I have been hearing is not right. MPs should be seen to be in the front of the fight against the pandemic. We should think of the crew members of IAF and Air India who are evacuating Indians from countries hit by the epidemic, of the doctors and nurses who are treating patients, of the loaders who are handling the baggage of the evacuated … police. What if they also decide to take a break at this time? ” the PM was quoted as saying by BJP MPs.
Modi, whose address was applauded, made it clear that the ongoing Budget session scheduled until April 3 will not be curtailed. “We are representatives of the 823 crore people of the country,” he said.
The PM also appreciated the role of electronic and print media in spreading awareness about Covid – , Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said.
Modi expressed disappointment over missives by some MPs asking for curtailment of the session, Joshi said. The PM, who greeted all members with folded hands and “namaste”, also asked party MPs to visit their constituencies to spread awareness about coronavirus and ways to prevent it. Party MPs were allowed into the meeting venue at the Parliament library building after undergoing thermal screening.
Read More
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings