New Delhi, February 10
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised women MPs for their insightful speeches in the Lok Sabha during the motion of thanks on the President’s address.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, the prime minister said the President’s address reflected the resolve of India’s 130 crore people. His every word is full of inspiration for everyone and we should thank him, he said.
Our every move is filled with spirit of democracy, we are thriving despite our diverse nature, the world is taking inspiration from us today, Modi said referring to the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, India not just became “aatmanirbhar” but helped others as well, he said hailing India’s fight against coronavirus.
Just like after World War II, post corona a new world order is emerging, he said.
“We cannot become strong only on the strength of our population, we need to give strength to Atmanirbhar Bharat,” Modi said.
The PM said all members referred to coronavirus during the discussion. There was a fear of unknown. India dealt with it well and credit goes to the discipline 130 crore Indians.
Taking a swipe at Congress MP Manish Tewari, the PM said it is indeed God’s grace that we were saved.
Because frontline workers, doctors and nurses, safai karamchari and ambulance drivers became incarnations of God and saved us, he said.
Notably Tewari had said that it was God’s grace that impact of COVID-19 was not as severe.
Hailing India’s fight, he said India revived economy with policies and programmes. The reforms helped many, he said expressing confidence that India will progress despite adverse circumstances.
The prime minister said the three agriculture laws were brought to bring reforms in the sector.
They, especially Congress MPs, discussed the colour of the laws, if they were black or white, it would have been better had they discussed their intent and content, the PM said.
Our farmer brothers and sisters are agitating against the laws, maybe it is because they have been misled, he said amid disruptions by Congress MPs on him referring to them as ‘parijeevi’.
“I respect the ‘bhawna’ (feelings) of all agitating farmers and continue to do so, which is why our ministers are speaking with them with all respect,” he said.
Reaching out to the agitating farmers and assuring them, the PM said reforms have shown result. After the laws were implemented, no mandi was closed while purchases under MSP increased, he said.
Amid repeated disruptions by Congress MPs, Speaker Om Birla said he gave ample time to everyone to speak during the discussion.
The PM said the disruptions were being done as per well thought of strategy. Opposition is scared of being exposed that is why it is creating chaos inside and outside.
Taking a swipe at Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the PM said, “I respect you a lot, why are you doing this.”
The farm laws are not compulsory but optional, the PM said. There are no restrictions on old mandis, the PM said repeating his ‘andolanjeevi’ jibe.
The laws are important for the nation’s progress. No one asked for laws against dowry, triple talaq but these laws were made because they were progressive, he said, referring to farmers’ argument that no one asked for these laws.
Amid slogan shouting by Congress MPs, the PM took a swipe at the Opposition party calling it divided.
The Congress party took part in the discussion properly in the Rajya Sabha while those in the Lok Sabha are disrupting, he said as Congress MPs shouted “roll back black laws” while he was speaking.
What is this argument that we did not ask for farm laws, what is this soch of “mangana”. We are not some kingdom that we have to wait for people to ask, he said.
No one asked for Ayushmaan Bharat, Swachch Bharat or Jan Dhan Yojna but they were implemented, the PM said.
Meanwhile, Congress MPs walked out of the House. Can’t be status quo anymore, the PM said.
The number of landless ‘mazdoor’ has increased from 28 per cent to 55 per cent, this is disturbing because it means that there are not adequate investments in the sector and it is no longer remunerative, the PM said.
Investments should come in the sector and farmers need to diversify. Investments in the sector will also boost employment, Modi said.
The laws will empower farmers and make them independent, he said.
It is our responsibility to benefit the farmers, so that our ‘annadata’ become ‘aatmanirbhar’. We need to do it together, prepare our farmers for new innovations, alternatives. We need to move forward with new efforts, he said.
If public sector is important for the country so is private sector, he said.
See how the telecom sector has changed. We need to trust our youth. Wealth creators are important for wealth to be distributed, he said.
Kisan andolan is “pavitra” (pure) but when andolanjeevi use it to further their interest what will happen, Modi said.
Toll plaza is acceptable to all states but not allowing them to function, is it ‘pavitra bhawna’, when thousands of telecom towers are broken in Punjab, Modi questioned.
“You need to differentiate between andolankaaris and andolanjeevis,” he said.
Those who file petitions for clean air, stand in favour of those burning stubble, he said.
“Anarchy is not andolan. When infrastructure becomes strong the country is empowered,” he said.
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