New Delhi, July 3, 2024 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a pointed critique of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and the opposition during his address in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. His remarks came amidst a walkout staged by opposition MPs.
Participating in the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address, PM Modi accused previous governments of operating on “autopilot” and “remote control,” indirectly targeting Sonia Gandhi. “There are such people who are used to running the government on autopilot and remote pilot. They don’t believe in working,” he said.
PM Modi highlighted the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) historic third consecutive term in power and claimed efforts were being made to “black out” the NDA’s victory in the Lok Sabha polls. “The government has completed 10 years, it has 20 more years to go. Efforts are being made to black out the decision of the people of the country,” he stated.
Despite continuous sloganeering from opposition MPs demanding to “let the Leader of Opposition speak,” PM Modi maintained a combative stance throughout his speech. Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s attempts to intervene were denied by Rajya Sabha chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar, prompting the opposition walkout.
“The country is watching that those who spread lies do not have the strength to hear the truth. They are insulting the Upper House,” PM Modi remarked, criticizing the opposition for their inability to listen to his replies. He also commented on the opposition’s recent display of the Constitution in Parliament, contrasting it with their past opposition to Constitution Day.
“I am amazed that the people who are now jumping with the copy of the Constitution had then objected to it, saying what was the need to bring Constitution Day when January 26 was already there,” he recalled. PM Modi asserted that the NDA was the true protector of the Constitution and accused Congress of being its biggest opponent, referencing constitutional amendments made during the Emergency period.
He also condemned the opposition’s selective silence on recent atrocities against women in West Bengal, calling it “very worrying.” “The Opposition’s selective attitude to atrocities against women is very worrying… Even the senior leaders (of the opposition) have not said a word about it,” he said.
In a continuation of his two-hour Lok Sabha speech on Tuesday, PM Modi reiterated accusations that the Congress conspired to falsely portray Hindus as violent. “It is a serious matter that there is a conspiracy to falsely accuse Hindus. It was said that Hindus are violent. Are these your values? Is this your character? Is this your hatred for the Hindus of the country?” he questioned.
Targeting Rahul Gandhi, PM Modi referred to him as “balak buddhi” (immature mind) and dismissed his actions as a “new drama to gain sympathy.” He also reminded the House of Gandhi’s legal troubles, including being out on bail in a corruption case and having to apologize to the Supreme Court for irresponsible statements.
The Rajya Sabha is expected to be adjourned sine die following PM Modi’s address, bringing the session to a close amidst ongoing political tensions.
