New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha at the beginning of the winter session of Parliament. Welcoming Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar in the House, he said that you are a grassroots leader and Rajya Sabha will get its benefit. Prime Minister Modi said that you have also seen the time when you used to walk several kilometers to go to school. Prime Minister Modi jokingly said that you have practiced law for three decades, but in Rajya Sabha you will not feel the lack of court. A large number of Rajya Sabha MPs are advocates. You have been in the role of MP, Advocate to other Union ministers and Governor.

Prime Minister Modi said that the one thing that has been common in all your roles is your dedication for the development of the country. Despite being in politics, you have been working by rising above party boundaries and taking everyone along. We clearly saw everyone's affinity for you even in the election of the Vice President. Winning by securing 75 percent of the votes has been crucial. It is said in our place that the one who takes us ahead is the hero. This thing becomes more important in connection with the Rajya Sabha because the House has the responsibility of taking forward democratic decisions. It is a matter of fortune when the House gets a down-to-earth leader like you.

PM Modi said that many of our PMs have been such who have worked as Rajya Sabha members at one time or the other. The parliamentary journey of many outstanding leaders started from the Rajya Sabha. I am sure that under your guidance, this House will carry forward its legacy and dignity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to the media before coming to the House. He appealed to the opposition MPs for cooperation and said that many new MPs remain disappointed that they did not get the opportunity to speak.

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