If you cooperate, I can operate, Naidu says in Rajya Sabha

The opposition will have its say in debates but the government will finally have its way as it has the mandate.

Venkaiah Naidu, the Vice-President of India is known for his one liners. He did not disappoint when he made his debut as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha on Friday. "If you cooperate, I will operate better," is what Naidu said.

President Ramnath Kovind administered the oath of office to Naidu, 68, at a brief ceremony in the Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhawan attended by political leaders cutting across party lines.

What Naidu said in Rajya Sabha:

• Do not give long speeches
• The opposition will have its say in debates but the government will finally have its way as it has the mandate.
• If the ruling party has power, opposition must at least have its say. But at the end of the day, democracy says that opposition must have its say and the government must have its way because it is as per the mandate of the people.
• I am an all-party man now and my role is above politics.
• I will meet your expectations. Everyone among you will get an opportunity but everyone must follow the rules and regulations (of Parliament)
• Politicians must not look at each other as enemies but as "rivals" in their common endeavour of "working hard to strengthen the country and help people.
• Democracy is not about numbers but to understand and appreciate each others' point of view. We must debate, discuss, decide and deliver.
• My political success is credited to the "might" and "beauty" of the Indian Constitution.

OneIndia News