In RS, Opposition lists 324 amendments to President's address
The Motion of Thanks debate for the President's address during the Budget session began with BJP President Amit Shah addressing the Rajya Sabha. He slammed the Congress and highlighted NDA government's achievements. However, he was left red-faced after the Opposition moved 324 amendments to the President's address. They also accused government of creating a "fear psychosis" among the people. Here's all about it.
What is the President's address?
The President's address is drafted by the government, detailing its policies, schemes and achievements. Months before the address, the government requests secretaries of various ministries/departments to supply material for the address. So, in essence, it is the government's content that the President presents.
Now, what are the proposed amendments?
Usually, the Opposition passes amendments to the address before it is passed. Presently, RS is dominated by the 17-member Opposition. Thus, as in the last two years, this time too amendments have been proposed. The 324 amendments claim that the address doesn't mention anything about the government's failure to tackle unemployment, farmer suicides, attacks on Dalits and distress due to demonetization among other things.
Opposition leader Azad slams government for creating fear psychosis
Meanwhile, while participating in the debate, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad attacked the government for polarizing the country and creating fear psychosis among the people. He alleged that Opposition leaders were being treated as potential terrorists and their phones were being tapped. Further, he claimed that Modi's government is not a "game-changer" but a "name-changer," which renames existing schemes and fails to deliver.
What did the Azad say about government schemes?
Azad slammed the government's proposed "Modicare" as another jumla (rhetoric). Though he expressed support for the triple talaq bill, he opposed the stringent punishment. He blamed Modi for making false promises of doubling income by 2022, with the current budget, to the farm sector. He blasted the government for being able to construct only 50% of the 12cr toilets under Swachch Bharat.
