New Delhi, July 3, 2024 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the Rajya Sabha today, following his extensive two-hour speech in the Lok Sabha on July 2. While the Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die after PM Modi’s address, the Rajya Sabha will continue debating the motion of thanks on the President’s Address from last week.
PM Modi’s speech is expected to ignite intense exchanges between ruling and opposition Members of Parliament (MPs). During his speech in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, opposition MPs continuously shouted slogans such as ‘Justice for Manipur’ and ‘Bharat Jodo’. Despite the interruptions, PM Modi accused the Congress and its ‘ecosystem’ of defaming Hindus and plotting a conspiracy to falsely portray Hindus as violent.
The Prime Minister called on Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to take strict action against the disruptions, labeling them a ‘slap on the wisdom of our people and our great national traditions.’ PM Modi’s comments were seen as a direct response to the speech by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on July 1, where Gandhi criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly attacking the idea of India. In his speech, Gandhi displayed posters of religious figures, including Lord Shiva, targeting the ruling party. Parts of Gandhi’s speech were expunged from the parliamentary records on July 2.
The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, which began on June 24, comprised seven sittings during which 539 Lok Sabha members took their oaths or made affirmations over the first two days. Following PM Modi’s address, the Rajya Sabha is also expected to be adjourned sine die.
