New Delhi, Dec 19 (NationPress) The traditional “tea party” organized by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the conclusion of Parliament’s Winter Session on Friday evolved into a moment of inter-party goodwill, featuring prominent figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, among others.

This gathering, primarily designed to alleviate tensions following intense debates and heated moments in the House, fostered cordial interactions after an eventful Winter Session.

Lasting under thirty minutes, Friday's tea party showcased a noticeably amicable atmosphere, with several key leaders attending this time, contrasting with previous instances where the Opposition boycotted the event.

In the absence of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka took the mantle for the Congress party, while Prime Minister Modi participated despite having just completed a demanding three-nation tour.

The leaders, previously engaged in confrontations within the House, accepted the invitation, likely to relax and exchange informal banter to ease the tension. They maintained a largely cordial and non-confrontational dialogue.

Participants later described the gathering as an opportunity to “unwind” and appreciate the efforts of MPs across party lines. The atmosphere was intentionally light, steering clear of deep policy discussions, with leaders sharing compliments and brief reflections on the session instead.

Several amusing moments arose during the gathering.

At one point, Priyanka shared a humorous story that elicited smiles from both the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister, a stark contrast to the tense exchanges earlier in the week.

It was later revealed that Priyanka had mentioned an issue related to Wayanad in Kerala, her Parliamentary constituency, which amused PM Modi and others. She shared details about a herb that had alleviated her allergies and inquired about the Prime Minister's recent trip, to which he responded positively, indicating it had gone well.

Some attendees informed the Prime Minister that the session had been productive but suggested it could have been extended, as passing legislation late at night is generally seen as unfavorable.

Interestingly, discussions on at least two pieces of legislation continued until very late, with one session extending past midnight. This led to light-hearted banter referencing the Opposition benches, implying that their repeated protests had contributed to a shorter session.

PM Modi humorously remarked that he did not wish to exhaust the Opposition's voices too much.

According to sources, PM Modi commended certain Opposition MPs for their preparedness for debates, which helped thaw any lingering tension in the room amid the chilly Delhi winter.

The tea party served a dual purpose, acting both as a Parliamentary courtesy and as a deliberate measure to calm nerves after a session many deemed contentious.

Observers noted that the gathering highlighted the importance of informal dialogue within a functioning legislature, providing a platform for leaders to exchange pleasantries, recognize each other's contributions, and temporarily step away from adversarial stances.

The event was framed by organizers as a reaffirmation of democratic principles of collegiality and mutual respect.

Amidst claims that the Winter Session saw limited legislative advancement due to ongoing disruptions, the Speaker’s invitation was seen as an effort to reset communication lines and promote a more constructive atmosphere in future sessions.