When the PM began speaking, Opposition MPs were shouting slogans. But on the Chairman’s direction, he continued his speech. A few minutes later, the Opposition walked out of the house.
“It is Congress’ nature to insult people of the country. Congress insulted the President in recent days. Yesterday in the Lok Sabha, the House couldn’t take up the discussion… These people shouldn’t talk about the Constitution. Congress has insulted tribal, women and the Constitution of the country,” the PM alleged.
“When a member of Parliament from Assam was on the chair, papers were thrown. This is an insult to Assam and the northeast. Similarly, when a Dalit MP from Andhra Pradesh was sitting on the chair, they insulted them.” Modi claimed Congress was opposed to giving Bharat Ratna to Assamese singer Bhupen Hajarika.
“The Yuvraj of Congress referred to a member of this House as ‘gaddar’… Congress called the member a ‘gaddar’ because he is a Sikh. This is an insult to Sikh community and Gurus,” he said.
Modi said the completion of the first quarter of the 21st century was decisive and the second quarter would make India a developed nation. “We have reached a crucial stage and we are not going to stop or look behind.”
“While the developed world is ageing, India is becoming younger and achieving new milestones.” Modi added India’s young population, aspirations and talent pool have made the country “a ray of hope for providing solutions to global problems”.Modi said India’s economy today reflects strength and stability. On the global stage, he said, India was now a valued partner. He added trade agreements with nine major economies, including the EU and the US, have enhanced India’s credibility.
Modi said: “If you analyse the Independence Day speeches of Congress prime ministers, you will realise they had no vision and no resources. A large part of our time has gone into rectifying their mistakes and rebuilding the country’s image.”
He alleged that during Congress rule, “deals meant scams”, referring to cases like Bofors, while his government focused on transparent growth. “Congress imagines projects, but it has nothing to do with implementation,” he said.
Hitting out at the Trinamool government of West Bengal, he said: “TMC government in West Bengal has crossed all parameters of a cruel and heartless government and they are preaching in Parliament. Even the strongest nations of the world are removing infiltrators from their country. In India there is an attempt to protect them. How can our youth tolerate that infiltrators take their jobs and resources?”
He accused Congress of holding perennial hatred against him. “Those who talk about ‘Mohabbat ki Dukan’ are shouting ‘Modi teri kabra khudegi’… Such slogans reflect hatred and frustration. For 25 years, no Parliament session has gone without abusing Modi. This is the secret of my good health,” he remarked.
“Nehru and Indira Gandhi treated the people of India as a problem. I believe 140 crore Indians are 140 crore solutions,” he said.
In his address, the PM also highlighted several central schemes aimed at supporting the poor, farmers, youth and women.
