PM Modi's Rajya Sabha Address Marred by Opposition Protests and Walkout
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his highly anticipated speech in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, a session that was marked by significant disruption from opposition members. The proceedings began with loud sloganeering from opposition MPs, who chanted phrases such as "Let the LoP speak" and "tanashashi nahi chalegi" (dictatorship will not be tolerated), leading to a walkout shortly after the Prime Minister commenced his address.
Targeting Congress and Accusing Opposition of Protecting Infiltrators
In his speech, PM Modi launched a sharp critique of the Congress party, referencing what he described as "decades" of misrule under their regime. He asserted that a substantial portion of the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) tenure, which has now spanned over a decade, has been dedicated to rectifying the errors of the past. The Prime Minister emphasized that significant energy has been expended in correcting these historical mistakes, which he claimed had left the country in a damaged state and created a negative perception globally.
Modi also accused the opposition of "protecting the infiltrators", particularly targeting the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leadership in West Bengal. He stated that while TMC leaders discuss various issues, they should introspect on their own shortcomings, alleging that people in West Bengal are suffering due to the state government's policies. According to the Prime Minister, the TMC is more focused on retaining power than addressing public welfare.
Personal Jibe at Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge
Amid the chaotic environment, PM Modi made a pointed remark directed at Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge. Noting Kharge's advanced age, Modi suggested that the Rajya Sabha Chairman should allow him to sit while sloganeering to avoid discomfort. "Looking at the age of Kharge ji, I urge you, the Chairman, to let him sit and sloganeer so that he faces no discomfort. There are young people at the back. So, please permit Kharge ji to sloganeer even while sitting," the Prime Minister remarked, a comment that added to the tense atmosphere in the House.
Context of Cancelled Lok Sabha Address
This Rajya Sabha speech followed the cancellation of Modi's reply to the motion of thanks address in the Lok Sabha just a day earlier, which was also disrupted by opposition protests within the House. The consecutive disruptions highlight the ongoing political tensions between the ruling NDA and the opposition bloc in Parliament.
Key Highlights from Prime Minister Modi's Speech
Emphasis on Future-Ready Policies and Global Trust
PM Modi outlined his government's focus on implementing future-ready policies guided by the mantra of ‘reform, perform, transform’. He declared that India is now being governed based on policy and strategy, which has resulted in growing global trust in the country. "Today, the country is being governed on the basis of policy and strategy. Global trust in India is growing. Guided by the mantra of ‘reform, perform, transform,’ we have moved forward, and the reality today is that the nation has boarded the Reform Express," he stated.
India's Expanding Global Trade Relations
The Prime Minister highlighted India's strengthening position in international trade, noting that big countries are eager to establish trade relations with India. He specifically mentioned the trade deal with the European Union and a recent agreement with the United States, asserting that these deals have been praised globally and have enhanced confidence in global stability.
"When we signed the trade deal with the EU, the world became more confident about the greater likelihood of global stability. After the trade deal with the US, the world became even more confident that with stability, they can sense a speed too. This is a positive sign for the world," Modi explained. He further revealed that India has signed trade agreements with nine significant countries recently, including what he termed the "mother of all deals" with the 27-nation European Union.
India as a Voice of the Global South
Positioning India as a key player on the world stage, PM Modi emphasized that the country has emerged as a strong voice for the Global South in international forums. "Today, the entire world speaks of Global South but as the main character of that discussion, today India has emerged as a strong voice of Global South on global platforms," he said, underscoring India's role as a trusted partner in global welfare initiatives.
Vision for Viksit Bharat in the 21st Century
Looking toward the future, the Prime Minister drew a parallel between the current period and the second quarter of India's freedom struggle in the previous century, describing it as decisive for building a developed India (Viksit Bharat). "The first quarter of the 21st century has completed. But this second quarter is decisive just like the second quarter of India's freedom struggle in the last century was. I can clearly see that in the direction of building Viksit Bharat, this second quarter is going to be equally capable," he proclaimed, outlining his vision for the nation's progress in the coming years.
The speech, delivered amidst unprecedented parliamentary disruptions, encapsulated the Modi government's narrative of correcting past governance errors while steering India toward a prominent global role through strategic policies and international collaborations.
