Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said people have given his Government a mandate for stability and continuity for the third consecutive term after seeing its work of 10 years and accused the Congress of trying to build a narrative that it has defeated the BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha polls.
Replying to a two-day debate on the President’s address to both Houses of Parliament, he also accused the Congress of working towards creating economic anarchy in the country. Modi also condoled the loss of lives in Hathras in between his speech.
Modi singled out Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, saying the House witnessed the wailing of a person with “balak buddhi (childish behaviour)” who tried to gain sympathy without disclosing the wrongs he had committed.
“Images of our Gods cannot be used for personal political interests. They coined phrases like ‘Hindu terrorism’, their ally likened this religion to dengue; country will never forgive them,” Modi said taking a swipe on Rahul’s speech, the content of which was expunged early in the day. “This is the first time that the Congress has not crossed 100 seats for three consecutive times. Instead of conceding defeat, they are being arrogant. They are trying to build a narrative that they have beaten us,” Modi said in the Lok Sabha amid vociferous protests by the Opposition.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die after two long hours PM’s speech and a resolution accepted by the Speaker moved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to condemn the continuous disruption by Opposition when the PM spoke. Modi will reply to the similar debate on thanks to President’s speech in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
Before the Prime Minister’s reply, Opposition members wanted Speaker Om Birla to allow the MPs from Manipur to speak in the House but he said a member from the northeastern State had already spoken on Monday. They then trooped into the Well of the House, drawing a sharp rebuke from Birla.
Modi said an attempt was made to mislead Parliament on the Agnipath scheme and minimum support price for farm produce.
The PM said the people of the country had seen the dedication with which his Government served them for 10 years.
“In our third term, we will work at triple the speed. Our third term means we will put in thrice the strength. In our third term, we will ensure three times the results,” Modi said.
“The people of the country have given us this mandate after testing us on every criterion. The people have seen our track record of 10 years. The people have seen that we have worked with dedication for the welfare of the poor, fulfilling the mantra of ‘public service is God’s service’,” the PM said.
The Prime Minister said he can understand the pain of some, who despite spreading lies and misleading the people, had to face a massive defeat in the Lok Sabha elections.
“People have chosen us in this biggest election exercise. I can understand the pain of some people that despite running falsehoods, they were comprehensively defeated,” he said, amid chants of “justice for Manipur” by Opposition members.
The Prime Minister said India’s prestige has increased and the country is being looked up to by the world.
Modi said before 2014, people had lost self confidence. “When there is a lack of confidence, it becomes difficult for the person and the country to stand up. The common people used to say this country cannot achieve anything. Only news of scams prevailed,” the PM said.
