NEW DELHI: On a day opposition parties decided to boycott Rajya Sabha proceedings until suspension of eight MPs was withdrawn, PM Modi led the BJP members in hailing deputy chairman Harivansh, who offered morning tea to the suspended MPs and later observed a 24-hour fast over the unruly behaviour of opposition when the farm bills were passed on Sunday.
The PM said serving tea to those who insulted him showed Harivansh’s “humble mind and big heart”. Later, the PM shared on social media a letter penned by Harivansh to President Ram Nath Kovind in which the deputy chairman said the entire incident was so “disturbing” that he could not sleep at night.
Harivansh made emotional remarks, saying he witnessed “murder of Gandhi, JP, Lohia, Karpoori Thakur in the House” and also highlighted his Bihar roots, saying he was born in the native village of Jai Prakash Narayan and had imbibed his values and that of other socialist icons.
Modi urged people to read Harivansh’s letter, saying he had gone through and each word strengthened faith in democratic values. “The letter is inspirational and adorable. It has truth and emotions,” the PM said. Most BJP members followed suit and shared the letter on social media.
Commending Harivansh for his morning tea gesture, the PM said, “To personally serve tea to those who attacked and insulted him a few days ago as well as those sitting on dharna shows that Harivanshji has been blessed with a humble mind and a big heart. It shows his greatness. I join the people of India in congratulating Harivanshji.” “MP from Bihar and RS deputy chairman Harivanshji’s inspiring and statesman-like conduct this morning will make every democracy lover proud,” he said.