In a Rajya Sabha speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a humorous jab at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, suggesting he was allowed to speak at length due to the absence of two special commanders. Modi expressed special gratitude to Kharge, remarking that he fulfilled the entertainment void in the Lok Sabha, alluding to Rahul Gandhi’s absence. Modi playfully mentioned Kharge’s prediction of 400 seats for the NDA, expressing gratitude for the blessing and stating, “I welcome the ‘400 seats for NDA’ blessing he has given us.” I was listening to him with great attention and enjoyment that day. ‘Lok Sabha mai jo manoranjan ki kami thi voh aapne poori kardi’. The Prime Minister also referenced Mamata Banerjee’s remark about Congress winning fewer than 40 seats, stating he would pray for the party. “Ek baat khushi ki rahi, unhone (Kharge) jo 400 seat NDA ke liye aashirwad diya hai…aapke aashirwad mere sar aankhon par,” the Prime Minister said.
Kharge in his remarks had referred to the Bharatiya Janata Party election slogan of “abki baar 400 par”. “With a current majority of 330-334 seats, this time it…will be above 400…,” he said, evoking smiles from BJP benches. President Droupadi Murmu’s address, highlighting India’s potential, strength, and bright future, was also mentioned by PM Modi.