Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said in Rajya Sabha that the Nationalist Congress Party and Biju Janata Dal have something to offer to every party. "Today I want to appreciate two parties - NCP and BJD. These parties have strictly adhered to parliamentary norms. They have never gone into the well. Yet, they have raised their points very effectively. Other parties including mine can learn from them," Modi said, much to everyone's surprise.

Addressing Rajya Sabha, the PM said that it's quite important. "In 2003, (former Prime Minister) Atal ji had remarked that Rajya Sabha may be the second house but it should not be called a secondary house. Today, I agree with the thoughts of Atal ji and add that the Rajya Sabha must be an active supportive house for national development," Modi said.

He added, "Whenever it has been about good of the nation, Rajya Sabha has risen to the occasion. It was widely believed that Triple Talaq bill would not pass here but it did. Even GST became a reality after it was passed in this house. We can never forget the role of the Rajya Sabha when bills related to Articles 370 and 35(A) were passed."