"Congress Is Leader Of 'Tukde Tukde' Gang", And 15 Other Highlights From PM Modi's Speech In Lok Sabha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address in the Lok Sabha.

Here are 16 highlights from the Prime Minister’s speech, paraphrased.

1. Tribute To Lata Mangeshkar

The Prime Minister began his address by paying tribute to the late Lata Mangeshkar post her unfortunate demise yesterday (February 6).

2. Azadi Ka Mahotsav

'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' is the perfect time to think about how India can play a global leadership role in the coming years. It is equally true that India has made several developmental strides in the last few years: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

3. Stress On Public Welfare Schemes

Earlier, gas connection was a status symbol. Now, the poorest of the poor have access to it. The poor have access to bank accounts, and the Direct Benefit Transfer programme is helping in service delivery.

4. Opposition For The Sake Of It

Stressing on the importance of democracy, and the significance of progressive criticism in a democracy, Modi stressed on how blind opposition to every government policy had become to norm.

5. Sharpening Attack On The Maharashtra Government

The Congress Party has crossed all limits in this time of COVID-19. During the first wave, when people were following lockdowns, guidelines were suggesting that people stay where they are, the Congress was standing at Mumbai Station and scaring innocent people: PM Modi

6. Attack On Arvind Kejriwal's Government In Delhi

Those who are still in the Delhi Government used microphones, went to residential areas and told people to leave, Modi stated, bringing back memories of the Anand Vihar crowding that occurred in 2020, enabling an exodus of migrants from New Delhi to Uttar Pradesh.

7. Targetting Opposition Over Their Politics During Covid-19

In a subtle manner, the Prime Minister stressed on how parties in the opposition indulged in politics during the pandemic. Without using the word, Modi reminded the floor of the 'toolkit' that surfaced in the wake of the Delta wave in 2021.

8. Food Grains For 800 Million People During The Pandemic

The Government of India ensured that over 80 crore fellow Indians get access to free ration in the midst of the pandemic. It is our commitment that no Indian has to remain hungry: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha.

9. Stress On Economic Reforms During The Pandemic

The Prime Minister, stressing the reforms undertaken by the government during the pandemic, and how the supply chain challenges did not deter the government from helping the farmers with fertilizers. Modi also stressed on how the opposition parties were against the interests of the smaller farmers.

10. India's Big Infrastructure Push

Focussing on the Dedicated Freight Corridor, fast trains, and the grand Gati Shakti masterplan, Modi emphasised how infrastructure boost had its share of challenges and why it was imperative to overcome them to ensure connectivity, lower logistics cost, and growth of the economy.

11. MSMEs and Startups

The Prime Minister recalled the Emergency Credit Guarantee Line Scheme, extended in the Budget 2022-23 with a capex of Rs. 5 Lakh Crore and how it was integral to the revival of MSMEs during the pandemic. The PM also spoke on the emerging unicorns in India while criticising the excessive role of the state in running businesses.

12. Celebrating India's Wealth Creators

We do not agree with the approach of scaring our youth, wealth creators and entrepreneurs. One can have suggestions on 'Make in India' but which mindset can say it will fail? Those making fun of 'Make in India' have become a joke themselves: Prime Minister Modi

13. Defence 'Atmanirbharta'

Encompassing an array of issues plaguing the defence sector, the Prime Minister how the country had to struggle for spare parts due to its dependency on the foreign nations and how 'Make In India' was integral to the future of India's defence industry. He also stressed on the kickbacks that were a norm during the previous governments each time procurement from foreign nations occurred.

14. Inflation During The Pandemic; Quoting Nehru

Hitting out against the opposition, Modi stressed on how the country witnessed double-digit inflation during the second term of the UPA between 2009 and 2014, and how the current government ensured inflation remains under 5 per cent. Citing Nehru's speech to the country, Modi stated how India's first Prime Minister attributed uncontrollable inflation to the then Korean War.

15. On Rahul Gandhi's Comment On 'India Being A Union Of States'

On the question of India's nationhood, the Prime Minister first quoted from the Vishnu Puran and then from Jawaharlal Nehru's own Tryst With Destiny speech.

He also quoted from Tamil revolutionary-poet-philosopher Subramanya Bharathi to drive him his point of India's intrinsic and ancient nationhood.

Modi sharpened his attack on Congress' Rahul Gandhi for his comment on India not being a nation but a union of states and how it was insulting to the Indian Identity as well as the floor of the house. Congress is the new leader of the 'Tukde Tukde' gang and is carrying forward the British practice of 'Divide and Rule', Modi said.

16. Remembering General Bipin Rawat

Congress attempted to hurt Tamil sentiments, it wants to divide & rule the country. I want to salute Tamil Nadu citizens who lined the streets for hours to pay tribute to CDS Gen Bipin Rawat. Divide & rule is in their DNA: PM Modi in Lok Sabha