PM Modi’s Parliament address: Congress almost near its end

PM Modi asserted Congress’ distrust in India’s capability, targeting Nehru’s perception of Indians as slow workers and less intelligent.

| Updated: 06 February, 2024 12:59 pm IST

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his closing remarks to the 17th Lok Sabha, responding to the ‘Motion of Thanks’ on President Droupadi Murmu’s address. In a vigorous speech, PM Modi launched a blistering critique on the Opposition, particularly targeting the Congress and its leadership, including Rahul Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Critiquing Congress’ mindset, PM Modi asserted, “Congress’ mindset is that it has never trusted the capability of the country. It considered itself rulers and the public as someone lesser, someone smaller. It was Nehru’s thinking that Indians were slow workers.”

He further alleged that Nehru regarded Indians as lazy and less intelligent compared to their American and Chinese counterparts. Reflecting on the current Congress leadership, PM Modi remarked, “Looking at the people in Congress today, it seems that Indira (Gandhi) could not assess the people of the country correctly but assessed Congress correctly.”

Taking a swipe at Rahul Gandhi, PM Modi quipped, “Ek hi product baar-baar launch karne ke chakkar mein, Congress ki dukaan par tala lagne ki naubat aa gayi hai (launching and relaunching the same product again and again has brought Congress almost near its end).”

PM Modi further attributed the current state of the Opposition to the failure of the Congress, asserting, “I see that many of you (Opposition) have even lost the courage to contest elections… I have heard that many people are looking to change their seats this time as well. Many now want to go to Rajya Sabha instead of Lok Sabha. They are looking for their paths by assessing the situation.”

Expressing confidence in his government’s future, PM Modi predicted a resounding victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, asserting that the NDA would surpass the 400-seat mark. “The third term of our government is not very far now. It will make the NDA cross 400 and BJP will definitely get 370 seats… The third term will be about taking very big decisions,” he proclaimed.

Modi concluded his parliamentary address with a taunt directed at the Opposition, labelling his administration as “naam daar, kaam dar (known by name, capable in work)”. Following his response to the Motion of Thanks, the Lok Sabha adjourned until 11 am on February 6.