Learn from Veterans, PM Modi Tells New MPs in Rajya Sabha Farewell Address

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday bid farewell to retiring members of the Rajya Sabha, appreciating their contributions and experience in public life. Addressing the Upper House, the Prime Minister remarked that politics never reaches a “full stop,” emphasizing that the experience of seasoned leaders continues to benefit the nation even after their formal tenure ends. He urged newly elected Members of Parliament to learn from senior leaders such as H. D. Deve Gowda, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Sharad Pawar, noting that they have dedicated a significant part of their lives to parliamentary service and possess valuable institutional knowledge. During his farewell speech, the Prime Minister also made a special mention of Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, highlighting his humorous style in the House. He observed that while light-hearted moments are rare in parliamentary proceedings, Athawale’s presence has consistently brought a sense of liveliness, adding that he would continue to engage and serve people beyond the House. It is noteworthy that 37 members, including Priyanka Chaturvedi and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, are retiring from the Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile, in the recently held elections to the Upper House, the NDA secured all five seats from Bihar, while new members have also been elected from Odisha and Haryana.