Launching a stinging counterattack at Congress over its bid to target him over the Adani row, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the grand old party only engaged in "tokenism" and created hurdles in the development of the country.
Responding to a debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address in Rajya Sabha, PM Modi said the language and behaviour of some MPs in the House was disappointing for India as Opposition members trooped in the Well of the House raising slogans of "Modi-Adani bhai-bhai".
The Budget session of Parliament has been marred by ruckus ever since US short-seller Hindenburg Research accused Adani Group of stock manipulation and accounting fraud. The Adani Group has denied any wrongdoing and has threatened to sue Hindenburg.
The Opposition has demanded a joint parliamentary committee probe on the allegations against the Adani Group.
Top Quotes Of PM Modi In Rajya Sabha During Motion Of Thanks Debate:
- I want to tell these MPs (opposition MPs)...Jitne keechad uchaloge, kamal utna hi khilega (The more mud you throw, the more the lotus will bloom).
Notably, Lotus is the party symbol of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). - People were facing problems, but UPA was busy in tokenism and photo ops. They never tried to find a permanent solution to the problems. Our government policies are focused on finding permanent solutions for issues facing the country.
- I found that in 60 years, Congress had dug potholes everywhere. They wasted six decades. During that time, even smaller nations were touching the pinnacle of success.
- They (Congress) used to say 'Gareebi Hatao' but did nothing for over four decades. While we work hard to meet the expectations and aspirations of the people of the country.
- We saved the money that went to the middlemen. Now, there is no money in the hands of the ecosystem.
- There was a time when even one handpump in a village was celebrated for a week. Since Independence till the time BJP came into power, only 3 crore homes got potable water. Our govt has extended the potable water supply to 11 crore houses in the last 3-4 years.
- Taking a swipe at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, PM Modi said, "Kharge ji complains that I visit Kalaburagi. He should see the work that has been done there. 1.70 crore Jan Dhan bank accounts have opened in Karnataka, including over 8 lakh accounts in Kalaburagi. So many people are getting empowered, while someone's account getting closed, I can understand the pain."
- Congress party's economic, social and political policies were based on vote bank politics. Had Congress worked with good intentions for tribals, I would not have to work so hard in the third decade of the 21st century.
- True secularism is making sure that the benefits of different government schemes reach all eligible beneficiaries.
- PM Modi also spoke on women's empowerment and the development of farmers. "Contribution of women should increase in decision making, and our government working on their empowerment. Voice of small and marginal farmers not heard in past, now our govt working for their welfare," PM Modi said.