'Violence decreasing in Manipur...': PM Modi in Rajya Sabha
Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his response to the Motion of Thanks on the President's address in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday around noon. This comes a day after he launched an attack on the Congress and other opposition parties during his response in the Lok Sabha. In Tuesday's address, the PM rebutted Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's speech, labeling it immature. He also hit out at the Congress MP for attempting to "tarnish the image of Hindus."
PM thanks people for choosing his government 3rd time
Replying to the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address in the Rajya Sabha, "In the last two-two and a half days, around 70 MPs participated in this discussion. I express gratitude to all of you MPs in enriching this discussion on the President's address." "The President's address had inspiration and encouragement for the people of the country," he added. He also thanked the people of India for choosing his government for the third time.
People prioritized performance: PM
Opposition benches erupted in protest as PM Modi credited the National Democratic Alliance's victory to the people's trust. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge attempted to intervene, but the Chair did not permit him to speak. "We feel proud of the wisdom and intelligence of the people of this country...They defeated propaganda. They prioritized performance. They rejected the politics of deceit and put stamp of victory on the politics of trust," Modi continued despite protests.
Opposition raises slogans during PM's speech
Opposition stages walkout
The PM continued to reply to debate on Motion of Thanks amid chants of "Rajya Sabha ko radh karo, jhooth bolna band karo [Adjourn Rajya Sabha, stop lying]" by the opposition. "I have to go by the rules," Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar said to the opposition benches. The PM added, "The country is watching." Moments later, the opposition staged a walkout in the middle of PM Modi's address. "They can't hear truth, that's why they are running away," the PM said.
Opposition left behind dignity: Dhankhar
After opposition MPs walked out of the House Dhankhar said, "Today, they did not leave the House behind, they have left behind dignity. Today, they did not show me their back, they showed it to the Constitution of India. They did not insult me or you, they insulted the oath of the Constitution that they took. There can be no bigger insult to the Constitution of India than this."
Strengthened agriculture sector with micro planning: PM Modi
The PM continued his address. He said, "The government has strengthened agriculture sector with micro planning ranging from farm to market" He added that while three crore farmers were beneficiaries of the United Progressive Alliance's loan waiver, the National Democratic Alliance's PM-Kisan scheme benefited over 10 crore farmers.
PM launches scathing attack on opposition
Mounting an attack on the opposition, the PM said, "I don't understand the reason behind their happiness? Are they happy for a hat-trick of loss? Are they happy because of another unsuccessful launch?" He also attacked the opposition on the issue of women's safety. "The opposition's selective attitude on atrocities against women is very worrying...I have seen a video from Bengal where a woman was being beaten...The incident which happened in Sandeshkhali...[opposition] has not said a word about it."
'Congress has anti-SC/ST/OBC mindset'
Continuing his attack against the opposition party, the PM alleged that the Congress has an anti-SC/ST/OBC mindset due to "which they kept humiliating former President Ram Nath Kovind. With this mindset, they left no stone unturned in insulting the first tribal woman President of the country and used words they no one else can."
People chose us to save Constitution: Modi
"If the 2024 election was to save the Constitution, then the people of the nation chose us for it... 1977 election saved the Constitution," the PM said. People knew only we can safeguard the Constitution, PM Modi added.
PM attacks Congress, AAP over corruption
The PM also hit out at the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party over corruption. "Congress has started running 'Bhrashtachari bachao andolan' now. When the corrupt are sent to jail they do hungama...It's being said that investigative agencies are being misused...'Bhrashtachar kare 'AAP', sharabghotala kare 'AAP' aur 'AAP ki shikayat kare Congress, AAP ko court mein leke jaye Congress, ab karyawahi ho toh gaali de Modi ko...And now they are partners," he said.
'Government taking action against those behind NEET paper leak'
PM Modi assured the House that the government is taking serious action against those behind the NEET paper leak. The guilty will not be spared, the PM said as he slammed the opposition for politicizing the issue.
Incidents of violence decreasing in Manipur: PM
Speaking about the ethnic conflict in Manipur, the PM said, "Government is tirelessly working towards resolving Manipur issue. The incidents of violence are decreasing, over 500 people have been arrested. Schools and colleges are functioning normally." To recall, on Tuesday, in the Lok Sabha, the opposition MPs relentlessly chanted "Manipur, Manipur" and "We want justice" during the PM's speech. The PM did not address the issue in the Lok Sabha.
'Centre, state worried about Manipur'
PM Modi attacked the Congress saying that under their regime, Presidential Rule was imposed 10 times in the northeastern state. The PM added, "The Home Minister has stayed in the state for an extended period of time. He goes to the state frequently to talk to various groups to come to a peaceful conclusion. State and Centre are worried about Manipur."
