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Modi Rebukes MPs for 'Entitlement' and Disregard for Parliament

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 3:25 GMT by RepublicWorld
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New Delhi, February 3rd, 2026 - Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a pointed message to members of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and BJP MPs today, rebuking what he characterized as a growing tendency toward entitlement and a disregard for parliamentary discipline. The unusually stern address, delivered during a parliamentary party meeting, focused on attendance lapses, unprofessional conduct, and the dangerous perception among some MPs that they operate outside the normal rules governing the institution. The Prime Minister reportedly stressed that parliamentarians are representatives of the people, not "Very Very Important Persons" (VVIPs).

Sources within the meeting indicate that the Prime Minister's remarks were not a mere reprimand, but a fundamental restatement of the responsibilities that come with holding public office. He emphasized the concept of collective responsibility, noting that the effective functioning of Parliament hinges on the diligent participation and respectful behaviour of every member. This intervention follows a period of increasing criticism regarding disruptions, low attendance rates during key votes, and instances of undignified behaviour witnessed within the parliamentary chambers.

While the specifics of the recent incidents prompting this strong response haven't been publicly detailed, observers point to a noticeable increase in procedural disruptions and a pattern of MPs prioritizing personal appearances or events over crucial parliamentary proceedings. Several recent bills have faced delays due to a lack of quorum, and debates have been frequently punctuated by protests and walkouts unrelated to the core legislation under consideration. This has led to accusations of obstructionism and a decline in the overall productivity of Parliament.

"The Prime Minister was very clear," one source revealed. "He said that the people of India send us here to work, to represent their interests, and to uphold the dignity of this institution. This is not a place for self-aggrandizement or treating oneself as above the rules." The message resonated, according to those present, as a direct challenge to a perceived culture of privilege amongst a segment of the parliamentary membership.

The broader context of this address reveals a growing concern about the erosion of standards within Indian politics. Experts suggest that the rise of social media and 24/7 news cycles have contributed to a climate where politicians are increasingly focused on personal branding and image management, often at the expense of substantive policy work. The emphasis on "VVIP" status - demanding special treatment, expecting preferential access, and generally behaving as if exempt from the norms observed by ordinary citizens - exacerbates this problem, fostering distrust and cynicism amongst the electorate.

This isn't the first time concerns about parliamentary conduct have been raised. Previous governments have attempted to address similar issues through internal party guidelines and codes of conduct. However, these efforts have often been criticized as being insufficiently rigorous or lacking effective enforcement mechanisms. The Prime Minister's direct intervention suggests a desire to move beyond mere procedural fixes and address the underlying cultural issues.

The focus on attendance also speaks to a larger trend of declining parliamentary accountability. Critics argue that a lack of consistent attendance contributes to uninformed debates, hinders effective scrutiny of legislation, and ultimately weakens the democratic process. Tracking attendance records has become increasingly difficult, with many MPs offering excuses for absences or simply failing to notify parliamentary officials.

Several political analysts believe this move could signal a broader push for parliamentary reforms. Discussions are reportedly underway regarding stricter attendance requirements, enhanced penalties for disruptive behaviour, and improved training programs for newly elected MPs focused on parliamentary etiquette and procedure. There's also talk of exploring the use of technology to improve transparency and accountability, such as digital voting systems and publicly accessible attendance data. The success of these efforts, however, will depend on the willingness of all political parties to cooperate and prioritize the interests of the nation over partisan concerns.