File photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (AFP Photo)
At a time when Parliament is witnessing a stalemate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the world closely observes whatever decisions are taken in India and asked lawmakers to take a larger view of issues as they could have an impact globally.
He pitched for free airing of views by lawmakers on national issues irrespective of their party affiliations, in comments which came against the backdrop of some key reforms measures being stuck.
"However big an issue may be, usually we put our views on the basis of our party's thinking and regional considerations. That is also important. But India has attained a stature that the entire world closely observes our decisions," PM Modi said while emphasising the need for Parliamentarians to take a larger view of an issue.
While inaugurating a workshop on the Speaker's Research Initiative (SRI) to train lawmakers on various subjects of global importance, the Prime Minister said both these aspects -- regional considerations and global dimension -- should be considered while taking decisions as these may have an impact internationally.
"Today, in a globalised world, we cannot decide in isolation. Decisions need to be taken in the context of the global situation. Suddenly, gold prices may fall or there may be a particular situation in Greece. We cannot say that it is happening somewhere else. We have to see the context and assess whether there is impact on us." he said
"It is necessary to address our needs by combining these two aspects through the important medium of Parliament. Whatever rules or laws we make should be on the basis of these two aspects," he said.
His comments assume significance as Parliament is unable to function due to a deadlock over the Opposition's demand for ouster of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan over various controversies.
The inauguration function, where the Prime Minister pitched for free airing of views irrespective of party affiliations, was attended mostly by lawmakers of the BJP, as well as Trinamool Congress and some other parties.
From the main opposition, Shashi Tharoor was the only lawmaker to attend it.