Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a pointed jab at Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday, claiming that previous governments operated on “autopilot” and “remote control.” His remarks came during a heated debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in the Rajya Sabha. The comments prompted a walkout by opposition MPs, intensifying the already charged atmosphere in the parliament.
Participating in the debate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted, “There are such people who are used to running the government on autopilot and remote pilot. They don’t believe in working.” He criticized the opposition for attempting to overshadow the NDA’s victory in the Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing that his government had secured a third consecutive term after 60 years. “The government has completed 10 years, it has 20 more years to go. Efforts are being made to black out the decision of the people of the country,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated.
Opposition Stages Walkout
The session in the Rajya Sabha was marked by continuous sloganeering from opposition MPs, who demanded that Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge be allowed to speak. Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar did not grant Kharge’s request to intervene, leading to the opposition’s walkout. In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked, “The country is watching that those who spread lies do not have the strength to hear the truth. They are insulting the Upper House.”
On the Constitution
Prime Minister Narendra Prime Minister Narendra Modi also criticized opposition members for their inconsistent stance on the Constitution. He recalled opposition to celebrating Constitution Day on November 26, despite now publicly brandishing the Constitution in Parliament. “I can recall the time when I said in the Lok Sabha that we would be celebrating November 26 as Constitution Day… I am amazed that the people who are now jumping with the copy of the Constitution had then objected to it,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. He asserted that the NDA government is seen as the true protector of the Constitution by the people.
Critique of Congress
The Prime Minister accused the Congress party of being the biggest opponent of the Constitution, referencing constitutional amendments made during the Emergency period. Modi also condemned the opposition’s selective outrage over violence against women, pointing to incidents in West Bengal. “The Opposition’s selective attitude to atrocities against women is very worrying,” he said, highlighting the public flogging of a woman in Bengal’s Chopra.
On NEET Paper Leak and Manipur Violence
Addressing the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, PM Modi assured the youth that the government would take strict action against those responsible. “I have given full freedom to probe agencies to act against corruption, the government will not interfere,” he said. The NEET-UG 2024 examination has faced widespread protests over question paper leaks.
PM Modi also spoke about the ethnic violence in Manipur, a key issue for the opposition. He noted that incidents of violence were decreasing and emphasized the government’s efforts to restore normalcy. “More than 500 people have been arrested, and over 11,000 FIRs have been filed in Manipur. The government is making all efforts to bring normalcy… The opposition should stop politicizing the Manipur issue… one day Manipur will reject you,” Modi declared. The ethnic violence in Manipur has resulted in over 200 deaths and thousands of displacements since May 2023.
The Prime Minister’s address, marked by strong rhetoric and accusations, underscores the deepening political divide and the contentious atmosphere in India’s parliament.
