Committed to stop paper leaks at war-footing: Modi in Parliament
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday responded to the debate on the Motion of Thanks for the President's address. This came a day after Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's first speech as Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha during the ongoing Parliament session. The 16-hour debate, which began on Monday, concluded this evening, after which PM Modi made his response.
PM Modi lauds Lok Sabha elections
In his address, PM Modi said, "Many honorable members expressed their opinion on President's address. Especially the first time who expressed their views while following the rules of the Parliament and behaved as a senior member of the House. They have raised the dignity of the House. The nation showed the world that it is the world's biggest election." The opposition benches continued to raise slogans during the PM's speech, despite interventions by Speaker Om Birla.
'Can under pain of some people...': PM's dig at opposition
In a veiled reference to the opposition, PM Modi said, "I can understand the pain of some people who lost [in the election] despite lying continuously. The people of India have given the opportunity to serve them for third succecssive term. It a very important incident in the history of the country. The public has seen our track record of 10 years."
'Our principle is appeasement to none'
"The country witnessed the politics and governance model of appeasement for a long time...Our principle is appeasement to none," the PM said. "In our fight against corruption, we have garnered strong public support, guided solely by 'India first,'" he added. Opposition MPs continue to chant "Justice for Manipur" relentlessly.
PM raises issues of policy paralysis, corruption under Congress rule
We were elected in 2014 to overcome the problems of the previous government, the PM said. "We have multiple achievements over the last ten years, but the most significant one was that the country came out of hopelessness and gained self-confidence," he added. "I want to assure my countrymen that we will leave no stone unturned to fulfil the resolution of building a Viksit Bharat. We will strive our best to deliver the best," PM Modi said.
'Can't do this for 5 years...': Speaker tells opposition MPs
Speaker Birla looked displeased with the opposition's continuous protests during PM Modi's speech. He noted that the opposition members had been given ample time to speak in the House, but they did not extend the same courtesy while the Leader of the House spoke. Despite this, protests continue from the opposition benches.
PM talks about India's terror response under NDA rule
PM Modi said, "There was a time before 2014 when terrorists could strike at will. Governments did and said nothing. Today, Hindustan Ghar mein ghus ke maarta hai. It does surgical strikes, air strikes and teaches a lesson to the handlers of terrorists. Today, every citizen knows that India can do anything for its security," he said.
Article 370 took away people's rights in J&K: PM
While hailing his government's actions and schemes, PM Modi highlighted that the opposition couldn't bring in the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir, adding that Article 370 had taken away people's rights. "People who now dance with the Constitution did not dare to apply it there. Security forces were stoned. People said nothing could happen. After abrogation of Article 370, stone pelting is over. People are trusting the Constitution, flag and democracy of India and voting in large numbers," he said.
PM mounts attack on Congress
PM Modi recalled the pre-2014 "period of scams," noting it was shamelessly admitted that only 15 paise of every ₹1 sent from Delhi reached the people. "This world of scams had drowned the country in the depths of despair," he said. Criticizing the Congress, the PM said it's the party's third worst defeat in its history, winning only 99 seats in the general elections. He added that instead of introspecting their loss, the Congress is misleading people by claiming victory.
Tried to provoke riots: Modi hits out at Congress
PM Modi said that even as the country chose the path of development, the Congress is bent on spreading chaos. "They speak against the North in the South, and against the West in the North. They have tried to divide based on religion...even gave election tickets to those who had advocated division of the country...They tried to provoke riots in the country," he said. More than an hour into the PM's speech in Lok Sabha, the opposition continues to chant.
PM Modi attacks Gandhi's speech
Hitting out at Gandhi for his remarks on Hinduism, PM Modi said that the "conspiracy to falsely accuse Hindus" is a serious matter. "People of the country will never forgive what happened yesterday. It was said that Hindus are violent. Are these your values?...Is this your hatred for Hindus?" he said. Gandhi's statement on Monday caused an uproar in the House when, while attacking the BJP, he said "those who call themselves Hindus talk violence... hatred... untruth 24 hours."
PM addresses NEET controversy
PM Modi assured in the Lower House that those disturbing the future of students and the youth would not be spared. He informed the House that arrests are being made across the country on the NEET paper leak. Prime Minister Modi further stated that steps are being taken to further strengthen the examination mechanism.
Gandhi's fiery speech sparks controversy in Parliament
To recall, the debate on the Motion of Thanks was delayed from its original start date of June 28 due to disruptions by the opposition over the NEET exam paper leak issue. Gandhi used his speech to launch a strong attack on the BJP, accusing its leaders of engaging in "violence and hate." This led to widespread protests from treasury benches, with intervention from several ministers including PM Modi. Several of Gandhi's remarks were expunged late on Monday.
