‘New MPs should learn from Deve Gowda ji, Kharge ji, Sharad Pawar ji’: PM Modi bids farewell to Rajya Sabha retirees

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today bid farewell to retiring members of the Rajya Sabha, emphasising that political contribution never truly comes to an end. Addressing the House, Modi noted that while formal farewells are held every two years, the legacy of the Upper House continues.

Noting the importance of experience, PM Modi said that new members who join immediately have the opportunity to learn from colleagues who have been here for a long time.

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Modi highlighted leaders such as HD Deve Gowda, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Sharad Pawar for their decades of parliamentary experience.

He said, “…HD Deve Gowda ji, Mallikarjun Kharge ji, Sharad Pawar ji are senior leaders who have spent more than half of their lives in parliamentary work. Newly elected MPs should learn from them…”

#WATCH | Delhi | Speaking in Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “…H. D. Deve Gowda ji, Mallikarjun Kharge ji, Sharad Pawar ji are senior leaders who have spent more than half of their life in parliamentary work. Newly elected MPs should learn from them…”… pic.twitter.com/zsT7zunPgJ

— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2026

PM highlights value of parliamentary tenure

The Prime Minister described a six-year term in the Rajya Sabha as both a significant opportunity to shape national policy and a deeply enriching personal journey. He said members enter the House with their own ideas and capabilities, which are further strengthened through experience and engagement over time.

“The opportunity to remain here for six years is significant not only for contributing to national life through policy-making but also as an invaluable experience that enriches one’s own life. When respected MPs come here with their thoughts, understanding, and capabilities, by the time they leave, these qualities multiply manifold through the power of experience…”

Delhi: PM Narendra Modi says, “The opportunity to remain here for six years is significant not only for contributing to national life through policy-making but also as an invaluable experience that enriches one’s own life. When respected MPs come here with their thoughts,… pic.twitter.com/OiTviwAuLM

— IANS (@ians_india) March 18, 2026

‘There is no full stop in politics’: PM Modi

The Prime Minister remarked, “In politics, there is no full stop,” signalling that public service extends well beyond a parliamentary term. Modi highlighted that discussions on a wide range of issues allow each member to play a distinct role, while also fostering mutual respect that transcends political differences.

He said, “…Discussions take place on various issues in the House, and every member plays a unique role in them. In moments like these, a common sense of respect is generated, rising above party lines. Some members who are taking leave today are doing so with the hope of returning again. Others are leaving with the experience they have gained here and will continue to contribute in meaningful ways to society and public life. To those who are leaving and may not return to this House, I would like to say that in politics there is no full stop.”

Delhi: PM Narendra Modi says, “…Some colleagues are bidding farewell from here to return again, some are taking the experience from here to contribute to social life. Those who are leaving but will not return, I want to tell them that there is no full stop in politics…” pic.twitter.com/5HXstArSaP

— IANS (@ians_india) March 18, 2026

‘Our Athawale ji is evergreen’

In a lighter moment, Modi remarked on the importance of humour in parliamentary proceedings, singling out Ramdas Athawale for his distinctive style.

“Athawale ji is evergreen,” the Prime Minister said, expressing confidence that his wit and satire would continue even after he departs from the House.

“Sometimes we used to hear that there is a lot of opportunity for humour and satire in the House. These days, perhaps it is gradually decreasing…But our Athawale ji is evergreen. Athawale ji is leaving but no one here will feel any shortcoming. I am fully confident that he will continue to serve satire and humour in abundance…”

Delhi: PM Narendra Modi says, “Our Athawale is leaving, but no one here will feel his absence. He will keep serving humour and wit; we are fully confident of that. Every two years, a big farewell takes place in this House. But such is the system that new members who come… pic.twitter.com/puA5kJGE23

— IANS (@ians_india) March 18, 2026

Leaders met departing members after session

Following the session, PM Modi and Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan met the retiring and recently retired Members of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) today. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Ministers, and other Members of Parliament were also present.