Light Moments After Winter Session: PM Modi and Priyanka Gandhi Share Laughter at Speaker’s Tea Meeting

After the conclusion of Parliament’s Winter Session, a rare and refreshing scene unfolded in the corridors of Indian politics. Leaders from both the ruling alliance and the opposition came together in a cordial and relaxed atmosphere at a meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were seen sharing hearty laughter.

Tea, Talks and Togetherness

The informal meeting was held at the Speaker’s Chamber following the adjournment of the Winter Session sine die on Friday. Unlike the often tense and noisy proceedings of the House, the gathering was marked by warmth, smiles and light-hearted conversations over tea.

Prime Minister Modi attended the meeting along with Speaker Om Birla, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, several Union Ministers, and senior Members of Parliament. In the absence of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress General Secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra led the opposition delegation.

What caught everyone’s attention was the relaxed body language of leaders across party lines, with loud laughter echoing through the chamber — a sight increasingly rare in today’s polarised political climate.

A Rare Glimpse of Political Civility

While the exact agenda of the meeting has not been officially disclosed, sources indicate that it was meant as a customary post-session interaction. The visual of leaders who fiercely debate inside Parliament sharing laughter outside it sent a strong message of democratic maturity and mutual respect.

Observers noted that both PM Modi and Priyanka Gandhi were among those seen laughing during the discussions, reflecting a moment of civility beyond political differences.

Winter Session Sees Key Bills Passed

The Winter Session, which ended just before the meeting, witnessed the passage of several important legislations, including:

• The ‘Viksit Bharat G-RAM-G Bill’, which replaces MGNREGA
• The SHANTI Bill, 2025, related to reforms in the nuclear sector
• A landmark bill allowing 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector

Prime Minister Modi had returned to India shortly before the session concluded, after completing his foreign visits to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman.

Opposition Continues Its Protest

Despite the cordial post-session interaction, political differences remain sharp. The opposition, particularly the Congress, has strongly opposed the Viksit Bharat G-RAM-G Bill, alleging that it dilutes the rights-based framework of MGNREGA.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is currently abroad, expressed his objections through a detailed post on X, stating that the government had “dismantled 20 years of MGNREGA in a single day” and accused the Centre of centralising a scheme meant for states and villages.

Beyond the Debate

Yet, for a brief moment after a stormy session, the Speaker’s meeting offered a glimpse of politics beyond confrontation—where dialogue, courtesy and laughter took centre stage.

In an era dominated by sharp rhetoric, the scene served as a reminder that democracy also thrives on conversation, coexistence and civility, even among ideological rivals.