‘Politics has no full stop’: PM Modi’s message to retiring Rajya Sabha members

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday bid farewell to 59 retiring Rajya Sabha members describing Parliament as an ldquoopen universityrdquo and urging outgoing legislators to continue contributing to public life beyond their tenureAddressing the Upper House during the biennial farewell PM Modi said such occasions transcend political divisions and bring members together in a shared spirit of respect and reflectionPM emphasises continued role beyond ParliamentReassuring members who may not return to Parliament PM Modi said political life does not end with the completion of a term ldquoIn politics there is no such thing as a full stop The future awaits yourdquo he said highlighting that their experience will remain valuable to the nationHe added that the knowledge and exposure gained during a Rajya Sabha tenure equips members to contribute meaningfully in other capacitiesPraise for Deve Gowda Kharge and Sharad PawarThe Prime Minister paid special tribute to veteran leaders HD Deve Gowda Mallikarjun Kharge and Sharad Pawar describing them as stalwarts who have dedicated decades to parliamentary serviceHe lauded their continued commitment and regular participation in proceedings calling their longstanding presence in Parliament ldquoexemplaryrdquo and a model for younger lawmakersTribute to Deputy Chairman HarivanshPM Modi also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Deputy Chairman Harivansh describing him as softspoken yet highly committed to his responsibilitiesHe noted that Harivansh remained actively engaged even outside parliamentary sessions travelling across the country to interact with youth and promote awareness on national issuesLighthearted remarks on parliamentary cultureIn a lighter moment the Prime Minister referred to Union Minister Ramdas Athawale praising his wit and humour in the HouseHe remarked that humour in parliamentary debates has declined in recent times due to constant public scrutiny but described Athawale as ldquoevergreenrdquo expressing confidence that he would continue to contribute activelyParliament likened to a lsquosecond opinionrsquo systemReflecting on Indiarsquos bicameral parliamentary system PM Modi compared the legislative process to seeking a ldquosecond opinionrdquo where decisions made in one House are reviewed by the otherHe said this process strengthens democratic decisionmaking by encouraging broader deliberation and diverse perspectivesChairman highlights institutional continuityRajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan noted that 59 members from 20 states including nine women will retire between April and July upon completion of their termsHe emphasised that the staggered retirement of onethird of members every two years ensures continuity while allowing new voices to enter the HouseRadhakrishnan also praised the contributions of senior leaders and described Harivanshrsquos tenure as marked by dignity and impartialitylsquoRetirement is a new beginningrsquoUrging members to remain engaged in public life the Chairman said retirement from the House should be seen as the beginning of new responsibilities rather than an endHe concluded by noting that the contributions of outgoing members would remain part of the institutionrsquos legacy reflecting their dedication to public serviceThe farewell marked a moment of reflection and recognition with leaders across party lines acknowledging the role of experienced parliamentarians in shaping legislative discourse and governanceWith inputs from PTI