Priyanka Gandhi Hits Back After PM Modi Says Parliament Needs Delivery, Not Drama

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remark urging the Opposition to focus on “delivery, not drama” during the Winter Session of Parliament drew a sharp response from Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday. She asserted that raising public issues inside Parliament cannot be dismissed as drama.

Priyanka Gandhi, who represents Wayanad, said that matters like the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the rising air pollution in Delhi are serious concerns that deserve discussion.

“Election situation, SIR and pollution are huge issues. Let us discuss them. What is Parliament for? Speaking about issues is not drama. Drama is refusing democratic debate on matters that affect the people,” she said.

What PM Modi Said

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi, in his address ahead of the Winter Session, cautioned Opposition MPs against creating disruptions.

“The game the Opposition has played for 10 years is no longer acceptable to the people. They should change their strategy. I can even give them tips,” he said.

Modi emphasised that Parliament should prioritise policy over slogans.
“Whoever wants to do drama can do it elsewhere. Here, there should be delivery, not drama,” he said, adding that first-time MPs often lose their chance to speak due to repeated disruptions.

Session Begins With Tense Exchange

The Winter Session opened on Monday with the government listing 14 new bills, including major proposals such as:

• The Atomic Energy Bill, 2025

• The Higher Education Commission of India Bill, 2025

• The Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill

• The Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill

• The National Highways (Amendment) Bill

Opposition parties are pressing for debates on SIR, suicides of multiple Booth Level Officers (BLOs), and national security concerns following the November 10 Delhi terror attack.

This year’s Winter Session—only 15 sittings instead of the usual 20—has been criticised by the Opposition as an attempt to curtail meaningful debate and “derail Parliament.”