Newly-elected Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan Friday said she would try to take smaller parties along in the house where the NDA enjoys an absolute majority.Thanking members of the Lok Sabha for electing her unopposed, Mahajan said: "I consider it a great responsibility.""On the one hand, the ruling party has absolute majority and on the other hand, there are smaller parties who also want to be heard," she said at a press conference here."I have to ensure that everybody gets an opportunity," she said, adding that she wanted the "efficiency" of parliament to increase.Questioned as to whether her job would be easier now that the ruling party has an absolute majority, she said: "There may be majority, but there are many smaller parties.""Qualitative discussions are also important. We will try to organise a training course for new MPs," she added.Mahajan assured members she will not let them down and try to do justice by fulfilling their expectations.
Earlier addressing members of the Lok Sabha, Mahajan described her new job as being both of "opportunities and challenges".Mahajan said the Lok Sabha could enact legislations which will bring welfare to the people only through meaningful and extensive debates by members.She asked MPs to actively participate in the functioning of various parliamentary committees."It is a matter of pride that before election results were announced, the prime minister said he will take the entire country along," she said.The eight-time BJP MP from Indore also said that MPs should keep the national interest in mind while raising issues related to their region."I appeal to everyone to hold discussions in a calm manner... Our parliament was known for good discussions. We have strayed from that, healthy discussions should be the norm now," she said, addressing the house in Hindi.She said: "The Lok Sabha is a sign of our persity and unity, and emblem of our national sentiments. We can't dwell on our regional sentiment and must keep national sentiments in mind."