Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday targeted the opposition parties, particularly Congress in his reply to the debate on the motion of thanks to the President’s address and said from “every word of their speech, I and the country are now convinced that they have resolved to sit for a long time in the opposition”.
PM Modi targeted the opposition parties almost at the beginning of his speech and said several leaders were looking to change their seats or come to parliament through Rajya Sabha.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the opposition strength will be depleted after the Lok Sabha polls expected to be held in April-May this year.
“People are like God and the way you (opposition) are making efforts, I am convinced that people will bless you and you will move up to the public gallery,” PM Modi said.
“I really commend the resolution of the opposition. From every word of their speech, I and the country are now convinced that they have resolved to sit for a long time in the opposition. The way you sat here (in government) for many decades, the same way you resolve to sit there (in opposition),” he said.
“As per your wish, India’s voters will bless you to reach newer heights and soon you will be in the viewing gallery. It seems like you have even lost the will to fight elections,” PM Modi added.
The Lok Sabha debated the motion of thanks regarding the President’s address, with about sixty speakers participating. The Budget Session will end on February 9 after starting on January 31. The Prime Minister claimed that the opposition parties had failed to carry out their duties in a suitable manner.
“They (Opposition) failed to fulfill their responsibility as opposition…I have always said that the country needs a good opposition,” he said.
“I see that many of you (Opposition) have even lost the courage to contest elections. Some seats were changed last time too, I have heard that many people are looking to change their seats this time as well. I have also heard that many people now want to go to Rajya Sabha instead of Lok Sabha. They are looking for their paths by assessing the situation,” he added.
The Prime Minister began his speech by mentioning “sengol.” We were following the President’s procession as he entered the new Parliament building to speak to us all and to highlight Sengol’s pride and honor. The dignity of democracy rises when we see how this new tradition in the new Parliament building reflects that historic moment of India’s independence.”