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PM Narendra Modi Praises Contributions of Retiring Members in Emotional Ceremony
New Delhi, March 19: The Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of Parliament, bid farewell to 59 Members of Parliament (MPs) from 20 states who are set to retire between April and July 2026.
The farewell ceremony took place at the Vice-President Enclave in New Delhi on March 18. Several senior leaders attended the event to honour the retiring members for their service to the nation.
Prominent Leaders Among Retiring MPs
The list of retiring members includes well-known political figures such as:
- H. D. Deve Gowda
- Sharad Pawar
- Ramdas Athawale
- Harivansh
Notably, Sharad Pawar and Ramdas Athawale have already been re-elected to the Rajya Sabha. The retiring group also includes nine women members.
PM Modi Highlights Value of Experience
Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to the retiring MPs and appreciated their contribution to nation-building.
He said such occasions bring leaders together beyond political differences. He also noted that experience gained in Parliament continues to benefit the country.
“In politics, there are no full stops; your experience will always remain valuable for the nation,” the Prime Minister said.
Inspiration for New Generation of Leaders
PM Modi encouraged young MPs to learn from senior leaders. He mentioned leaders like Deve Gowda, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Sharad Pawar as role models.
He also praised Harivansh for his calm leadership and ability to handle challenging situations in the House.
Importance of Rajya Sabha in Democracy
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the Rajya Sabha in strengthening democracy. He described it as a platform that provides a “second opinion” in the legislative process.
According to him, this system ensures better decision-making and adds depth to parliamentary discussions.
A Unique Parliamentary Experience
PM Modi described the Rajya Sabha as a “Great Open University.” He said that the six-year tenure helps members grow and understand national issues deeply.
He also pointed out that many retiring members witnessed both the old and new Parliament buildings during their tenure.
Ceremony Attended by Senior Leaders
The event was attended by several senior leaders, including:
- S. Jaishankar
- Arjun Ram Meghwal
- Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju welcomed dignitaries and coordinated the event.
Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan appreciated the contributions of the retiring members and presented them with mementoes.
Cultural Program Marks the Occasion
A cultural evening was also organised during the ceremony. It included folk dance performances like Bhavai, classical music, and other cultural presentations.
Continuity and Change in Parliament
Officials noted that while 26 members retired in 2025, a total of 73 members are completing their term in 2026. The transition reflects both continuity and fresh perspectives in Parliament.
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