PM Modi was in Maharashtra to launch the four-laning of Solapur-Osmanabad section of NH-211. (Source: Twitter)Terming the quota Bill as ‘historic’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said its passage is a ‘strong answer’ to those spreading lies about the government’s move.
The Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill 2019, aimed at providing 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions to the economically weaker sections in the general category, was passed in Lok Sabha Tuesday, on the last day of the winter session of the Lower House, with 323 votes in favour and just three against.
The passage of The Constitution (One Hundred And Twenty-Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2019 in the Lok Sabha is a landmark moment in our nation’s history.
It sets into motion the process to achieve an effective measure that ensures justice for all sections of society.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 8, 2019
While addressing a rally at Solapur in Maharashtra, the Prime Minister also expressed hopes that the Rajya Sabha would respect ‘public opinion’ and vote in favour of the quota Bill tabled in the Upper House today.
He also assured that the passage of the quota Bill will not affect the deprived sections, including the dalits and the tribal people.
The Bill is facing stiff resistance in Rajya Sabha, as the Opposition has termed it a ‘political gimmick’ ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in April this year. The house was adjourned following uproar over the Bill.
Attempting to allay fears about the Citizenship Bill, which seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Modi said, “I want to assure the people of Assam and North East that their rights will not be hurt after the passage of the Citizenship Bill.” The Bill was passed in Lok Sabha Tuesday
Further, questioning Congress’ motive behind its allegations on the Rafale deal, the prime minister said, “The onus is on the Congress to come clean on what is driving its allegations on the (Rafale) deal.”
In a veiled attack on Rahul Gandhi, PM Modi asked Congress to answer which leader of their party, now shouting about the Rafale deal, has a connection with alleged middleman Christian Michel. Citing media reports, he said Michel, who was arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, was lobbying for French manufacturer Rafale’s rivals in the multi-role aircraft deal.
PM Modi was in Maharashtra to launch the four-laning of Solapur-Osmanabad section of NH-211, underground sewerage system and three sewage treatment plants. He also laid the foundation stone of 30,000 houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
With PTI inputs
