Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said discussions in the Budget session of parliament should not be overtaken by the state elections ahead. The opposition has already made it clear that it will raise the report that claims the government bought Pegasus spyware as part of a defence deal with Israel.

“I request all MPs, elections keep happening, but the Budget Session is very important. The more fruitful we make this session, the better is the rest of the year for the country to touch economic heights,” the Prime Minister said in his traditional pre-session comments.

Due to elections, the discussions in parliament are impacted. But elections have their own place, they will continue. An open discussion is needed in parliament. The budget sets the tone for the whole year, so it is important,” he said. Discussions during the sessions should be driven by good intentions, the PM said.