New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday expressed anger over members of Parliament (MPs) being absent from the ongoing monsoon session as he stressed on discipline in a bid to crackdown on absenteeism, ThePrint has learnt.
According to a senior BJP leader, the prime minister specifically sought to know which MPs were not present in Rajya Sabha during Monday’s proceedings when a bill was passed.
“This is not the first time that PM has expressed concern about absenteeism and punctuality. But he was quite upset about yesterday’s session as a number of MPs in the Rajya Sabha were missing. PM has specially asked for their names,” added a second BJP leader.
Modi had addressed the BJP Parliamentary party meeting held Tuesday morning, at which he highlighted the importance of discipline and attendance in the Parliament.
The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Parliamentary Party Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi among others.
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Sports gets special attention
At the meeting, Modi also asked MPs to promote sports in their constituencies.
“The meeting was completely dedicated to sports and our sportspersons who performed so well in the Olympics. The PM asked MPs to take up sports promotion for next three months. He also lauded the performance of India in the event where we won seven medals. All the MPs, ministers and PM gave a standing ovation to our sportspersons,” added the first leader quoted above.
“During the parliamentary meet, a presentation was made by Sports Minister Anurag Thakur and how India performed in the recently concluded Olympics. Former sports minister Kiren Rijiju also spoke. It was suggested by PM Modi that MPs should take lead and encourage greater sports activities in their respective areas,” a senior BJP leader told ThePrint.
Another party leader, who was also present at the meeting, said the PM asked MPs to pay special attention to a few things, including focusing on malnutrition and working to fight it.
“It was pointed out that MPs should not only promote sport in their constituencies but also hunt for talent. They should ensure promotion of PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana so that more people can take benefit from it,” said the second party leader quoted above.
(Edited by Manasa Mohan)
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