Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday, marking his first address to the MPs of the ruling bloc during the current session of Parliament since assuming office for a third term.
The NDA meeting comes amidst ongoing discussions in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on the Motion of Thanks to President Droupadi Murmu’s address to a joint sitting of Parliament. PM Modi is expected to respond to these discussions later today.
According to official sources, all members of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies were informed about the meeting and asked to attend. Although PM Modi has addressed NDA MPs on a few occasions in the past, particularly when he was elected as their leader for each of his three terms, he usually speaks at BJP MPs’ meetings during sessions.
This meeting holds particular significance as the BJP, for the first time since 2014, has lost its majority in the Lok Sabha following the recent elections and now relies on its allies to maintain the government. The Lok Sabha was adjourned until 11 AM on Tuesday.
During Monday’s session, Rahul Gandhi sparked controversy with his remarks on Hinduism, while Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, accused PM Modi of making “divisive” speeches during the Lok Sabha elections. Both Houses debated the motion of thanks on the President’s address, with PM Modi sharply criticizing Rahul Gandhi in his speech.
“Calling the entire Hindu community violent is a very serious matter,” PM Modi asserted. Following this, Home Minister Amit Shah demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi.
The BJP held a press conference to denounce Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, while the Congress responded with an evening presser criticizing the ruling party.
As the political temperature rises in Parliament, PM Modi’s response to the Motion of Thanks debate is highly anticipated, setting the stage for further confrontations and discussions in the ongoing session.
