Modi to Opposition in LS: Stop drama in Parliament
The Motion of Thanks to the President's address has been witnessing immense drama. First, before PM Narendra Modi's speech, Opposition created a ruckus accusing Speaker Sumitra Mahajan for ganging up against them. Subsequently, a combative PM Modi slammed Congress on various counts. About MPs' views regarding President's address, Modi claimed the address should be respected as it talks of every Indians' aspirations. Here's more.
'Congress divided the country and, more recently, Telangana'
Amidst opposition's slogans, PM Modi accused Congress of dividing the country. He claimed that had Sardar Patel been independent India's first PM, part of Kashmir wouldn't have been occupied by Pakistan. He also lauded AB Vajpayee "foresightedness" while creating Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Chattisgarh. However, he attacked Congress for the unsystematic bifurcation of Andhra leading to the problems that Telangana and Andhra are facing.
Modi vociferously attacks Congress
"Aapne Maa Bharat ke tukde kar diye, iske bavajood ye desh aapke sath raha, aap uss zamane mein desh mein raaj kar rahe the jis samay vipaksh na ke barabar tha," Modi further said.
'India didn't get democracy due to Nehru, as Congress propagates'
Modi questioned Congress's arrogance and claimed Sardar Patel was democratically elected by Congress working committees for PM-ship. He bellowed "Congress misused Article 356 over 90 times to uproot states' democratically-elected governments. Still, you have the audacity to speak for democracy!" Under Constitution's Article 356, if states' constitutional machinery breaks down, Centre can impose President's rule.
Modi cuts the Gandhis down to size
Modi was particularly scathing in his criticism of the Gandhi clan. He said Congress's only aim is to devote its energies in saving Nehru-Gandhis' interests. About Rahul Gandhi's elevation as Congress President, he asked, "Was it an 'election' or 'coronation'?" He also slammed Rahul Gandhi's action of tearing-up Congress's 2013 ordinance that saved convicted legislators from disqualification, saying it is subjugation by one family.
Rajasthan and Karnataka Assembly elections feature in Modi's speech
Modi further said Congress's claims that they were responsible for Karnataka's Bidar-Kalburgi rail-line are false. He said it was approved by Vajpayee in 2004 and began only in 2013 after BJP's BS Yeddyurappa government gave approvals. He also criticized Congress for selling "lies" about Rajasthan's Barmer refinery. The foundation stone for the project was laid during UPA in 2013, but work only began recently.
Modi also lauds his NDA government
Modi also praised his NDA government for changing India's work culture; projects are "not only thought about well but also executed in a timely manner." He said his government had made progress in infrastructure, digital advancement, aviation, banking, farmers' development, among other aspects. He asserted that due to Aadhaar, "dishonest, corrupt middlemen" are removed from the system. Further, he claimed employment was actually increasing.
Rahul hits back: In 90mins, PM said nothing about Rafale
Congress President Rahul Gandhi rebuked Modi's attack. He slammed the PM for not mentioning anything about his "complicity" in the "Rafale scam deal" during his 90-min address. The Rafale deal was finalized in 2016. It involves India buying 36 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircrafts (MRCA) from French defence manufacturer Dassault. However, not a single aircraft has been delivered; government refused to disclose its cost.
