Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his reply to the no-confidence motion on Thursday, said that the Congress was disrespecting its senior Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury by not letting him speak in the debate. He said our sympathies lie with Adhir babu. He asked why do you [Congress] not let him speak?
Assam Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi tabled the no-confidence motion against the government last month over the violence in Manipur. On Tuesday, Gogoi also moved the no-confidence motion.
Rife with jibes against the Opposition, here are the top points from his reply in Lok Sabha on Thursday.
- "Opposition moving a no-confidence motion has always been lucky for the BJP and its NDA partners. In 2018, it moved a no-confidence motion and lost even the seats it had. Today, I can see that you (Opposition) have decided that NDA and BJP will come back with a grand victory in 2024, breaking all previous records, with the blessings of the people."
- "What kind of discussion have you [Opposition] done on this motion. You were thoroughly underprepared. I am seeing on social media aapke darbari bhi bahut dukhi hai [even your supporters were disappointed]. Fielding Vipaksh ne organise kari lekin chauke-chakke yahi se lage' "
- "The need of the hour is to focus on the development of the country. Our youth have the power to make dreams come true. We've given corruption-free govt, aspirations and opportunities to the youth of the country."
- "The world can see a developed India but the Opposition can't see the development sitting in the country. No one can do anything about this ostrich-like approach."
- "The Opposition over the last three days scoured through dictionaries to abuse me... Their favourite slogan is 'Modi teri kabr khudegi' 'Modi, your grave will be dug'. But I have made these abuses my tonic.
- "I am revealing a secret today. Whoever the Opposition wishes ill, he prospers. This is their secret boon. Here are three examples. First, they said that banking sector will be ruined. They spread rumours and wished the public sector banks ill luck. But our banks returned double the profits. Second, they abused Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, saying the Indian defence industry is finished. But due to the Opposition's secret boon, HAL has recorded its highest-ever revenue. They even abused LIC, but it has soared to new heights."