PM Modi opens Monsoon Session with dig at Rahul

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed the nation ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, expressing optimism for productive proceedings. He also mentioned that the average age of team members at Skyroot Aerospace, a private space company which scripted history with VIKRAM-1, India’s first private rocket to reach orbit over the weekend, is 28 years, in a veiled attack on the Leader of Opposition (LoP), Rahul Gandhi. The LoP in the Lok Sabha turned 56 on June 19 this year.

“India’s youth have taken a new flight into space. It is a tremendous success. I am told that the average age of the team working at the Skyroot start-up is just 28 years. It is these young minds who have made this possible. I am not talking about a 56-year-old young man. I am talking about a start-up whose team, with an average age of just 28, has planted India’s flag in the realm of space. They certainly deserve our heartfelt congratulations. More importantly, such achievements instil immense confidence in our nation and further strengthen India’s standing as a respected and trusted partner in the world,” PM Modi said in his customary remarks ahead of the Monsoon Session.

His remarks came ahead of the start of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which is expected to be stormy with the Opposition set to raise the issues of the NEET paper leak, the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the blended petrol fiasco.

The PM added, “Be it the monsoon or the Monsoon Session — if both are proactive, they prove to be highly productive. And when both are productive, it leads to the welfare of the nation and the well-being of all living beings. That is why we pray that the monsoon remains both proactive and productive, and that the monsoon session proves productive as well.”

PM Modi stressed that meaningful discussions should take place in the House and collective resolutions made to move the country forward.

“Our House has many experienced parliamentarians, regardless of party, whose knowledge and wisdom are needed by Parliament and the nation. Therefore, Parliament must function, meaningful discussions must take place, and collective resolutions must be made to move the country forward. This is the demand of the times and the aspiration of the youth,” he said.

The PM said today, the demand is that voices filled with patriotism and national devotion find a proper platform in Parliament to raise the voices of the youth and guide the nation.

“I believe where there are facts, there is no need for chaos. If your logic and facts are strong, there is no need to raise your voice. Strong arguments and strong facts allow voices to be raised calmly yet powerfully. Every voice should find an opportunity to be heard. That is the role of Parliament. I urge all parliamentarians to participate in the proceedings wholeheartedly,” he said.

Referring to the West Asia conflict, PM Modi said the war has posed a major crisis for countries like India which are dependent on others for energy. He said petrol, diesel, LPG, fertilizers, chemicals - all faced disruptions, yet, India continued to grow at 7.7 per cent, becoming the fastest-growing major economy in the world. “This reflects India’s strength and its determination to scale new heights with enthusiasm and energy,” he said.