New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reply to the Motion of Thanks on President’s address to both the houses at the beginning of the session, in Rajya Sabha today at around 11 AM. After his reply, the house will discuss the budget.
He replied to the motion of thanks in Lok Sabha on Monday in which he hailed the President for focusing on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India). He said that moving towards self-reliance in the defence sector is a service to the nation and India is keen on becoming a major exporter of defence equipment.
The PM then attacked the previous ruling party Congress for their questions on inflation and economic policies. The PM said that earlier the country was dependent on foreign technology to buy defence equipment, which led to a long wait before any equipment could be bought.
“We have simplified the processes. The issues pending for years, we have tried to solve them. Earlier, for any modern equipment, we had to look towards other countries, and purchases were sometimes made in a hurry. We were dependent on others for spare parts also. By remaining dependent on others, we cannot ensure the security of the country. We should have our own capability. It is a matter of national service to be self-reliant in the defence sector. Besides fulfilling the needs of the country, we are going forward carrying a dream of being a big defence exporter. I have confidence, it will be fulfilled," the PM said.
He also said that there were "many vested interests involved in the process of defence purchases and would indulge in bribes. I have challenged them and it is natural they are angry and it gets reflected.”
He furthered his attack on Congress by saying that the party follows the policy of divide and rule. He asked that if his government is talking about being vocal for local, is it not fulfilling the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi. “Then, why was it being mocked by the Opposition?” he said.
In his nearly 100-minute long speech, Modi pointed to many developments done by his government including the pending projects which were recently completed and the surge in startups in India. He also questioned the opposition on many grounds from covid-19 to inflation in the Congress regime.