PM Modi Targets Congress in Rajya Sabha, Invokes Bofors Scam and ‘Grave’ Slogan; Opposition Walks Out

New Delhi | 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday delivered a sharp and politically charged speech in the Rajya Sabha while replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address, triggering protests and a walkout by opposition parties. The Prime Minister spoke for nearly one hour and 37 minutes, during which he launched strong attacks on the Congress and other opposition parties over corruption, governance, political language, and economic performance.

At the beginning of his address, opposition MPs raised slogans demanding that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi be allowed to speak, accusing the government of authoritarianism. As the sloganeering continued, PM Modi made a sarcastic remark about Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s age, suggesting he be allowed to sit while raising slogans. Soon after, opposition parties staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha.

Attack on Congress and Opposition Parties

Prime Minister Modi questioned the opposition’s political culture, referring to slogans allegedly calling for his “grave to be dug” while branding themselves as running a “shop of love.” He said such language was an insult to the dignity of public life and raised concerns about democratic values.

Taking a dig at Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Left parties, and DMK, Modi said these parties had remained in power at the Centre for decades, yet their legacy was defined by corruption scandals. He cited the Bofors scam, stating that during Congress rule, the word “deal” was associated with scams, whereas today, international trade deals were a matter of national pride.

Governance, Economy and Reforms

Highlighting his government’s economic reforms, the Prime Minister said India was now moving ahead on the mantra of “Reform, Perform and Transform.” He claimed the country was riding a “reform express” and was fully prepared to compete globally. Modi emphasized the expansion of the MSME sector and rising global confidence in India’s economy.

He also underlined India’s growing presence in global trade, stating that the country had signed trade agreements with several major nations, including the European Union and the United States, something he said earlier governments failed to achieve.

Banking Sector and Poverty Reduction

Modi accused previous Congress-led governments of “phone banking,” alleging that loans were sanctioned based on political influence before 2014. He claimed that under his leadership, the banking sector had been reformed, transparency introduced, and Non-Performing Assets (NPA) reduced to below 1%, while public sector banks were now recording record profits.

The Prime Minister also said that 25 crore people had moved out of poverty since 2014. He highlighted welfare schemes related to housing, electricity, drinking water, LPG connections, and financial inclusion, asserting that these achievements had strengthened public trust in his government.

Infrastructure and National Security

Referring to long-pending infrastructure projects, Modi cited the Sardar Sarovar (Narmada) Dam, saying it was conceptualized decades ago but inaugurated during his tenure. He also spoke about improvements in defence preparedness, infrastructure in border areas, and steps taken against terrorism and extremism.

Controversy Over Sikh Remarks

In another strong statement, Modi accused Rahul Gandhi of insulting the Sikh community by allegedly calling Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu a “traitor” because of his Sikh identity. He described the remark as an insult to Sikh gurus and the sacrifices made by Sikh families for the nation.

Lok Sabha Developments

Meanwhile, the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address was passed in the Lok Sabha amid chaos, without Prime Minister Modi’s speech. This marked the first time since 2004 that the motion was passed without the Prime Minister’s reply. Speaker Om Birla later said Modi’s address had been postponed due to concerns over possible untoward incidents in the House amid opposition protests.

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