Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted the Opposition during his response to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, taking aim at the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in anticipation of the Delhi Elections 2024. Below are his key remarks:
1. ‘Photo Opportunities in the Homes of the Underprivileged’
In a sarcastic remark directed towards Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, he stated, “…Those who indulge in photo opportunities in the homes of the underprivileged, merely for their entertainment, will likely find discussions about the poor in Parliament dull. I can appreciate their displeasure.”
Following the President’s address to a joint session of Parliament on January 31, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were observed conversing about the speech within the Parliament premises. In that dialogue, Rahul Gandhi was overheard questioning Sonia Gandhi if the President’s speech was “boring”.
2. ‘AAP-da’
PM Modi asserted that certain political parties are deceiving the youth. Using a clever wordplay, he remarked, “These parties promise much during elections but deliver little. They have become akin to a burden [AAP-da] on the future of our youth.”
3. ‘Explosions’ and ‘Gunfire’
PM Modi stated, “Over the past decade, we have increased the savings of the middle class by lowering Income Tax.”
He reflected on how, prior to 2014, during the Congress regime, “such ‘explosions’ were unleashed and ‘gunfire’ erupted, impacting the lives of ordinary citizens.”
“We gradually healed these wounds and moved forward. Back in 2013-2014, the income tax exemption was set at just ₹2 Lakh. Today, it has been raised to an exemption on income up to ₹12 lakh… We addressed those wounds and now we’ve applied healing measures as well. After including the ₹75,000 standard deduction, from April 1, salaried individuals in the country will not have to pay any tax on earnings up to ₹12.75 Lakh,” PM Modi elaborated.
4. ‘Constitution in Their Pocket’
In the Lok Sabha, PM Narendra Modi pointed out that certain leaders, blinded by politics, forget how they contributed to the struggles of Muslim women. This was aimed at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
“Some leaders utilize the language of urban naxals and discuss waging war against the Indian state, completely missing the essence of the Constitution,” PM Modi commented. “We adhere to the spirit of the Constitution and refuse to engage in toxic politics,” he added.
5. On the Appointment of Election Commissioners
PM Modi noted that previously, Prime Ministers would appoint election commissioners at their discretion. “We introduced legislation to include the Leader of the Opposition in this process,” he stated.
His commentary followed Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in the Lok Sabha concerning the selection of the election commissioner.
Gandhi had raised a query, stating, “Election commissioners used to be chosen by the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice was removed from that committee. This is something for the Prime Minister: Why was the Chief Justice removed from the committee?…”
He stated, “Right before the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, the election commissioner was replaced, and two new election commissioners were appointed. We all noticed that the election dates were shifted…”
6. Jacuzzi and Sheesh Mahal
In another critique targeting AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, PM Modi highlighted that some leaders are preoccupied with luxuries while his government is dedicated to ensuring water access to every household.
PM Modi added, “The measures undertaken by the central government have generated savings worth crores, but it certainly did not fund the ‘Sheesh Mahal’.”
This reference to the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ has been a recurring critique from PM Modi and BJP leaders aimed at Kejriwal for alleged extravagant spending on the official residence he occupied while serving as chief minister prior to his resignation.
7. Defending the President’s Address
PM Narendra Modi remarked, “…Upon closely examining the President’s Address, it becomes evident that she discussed fostering trust among citizens about the next 25 years and ‘Viksit Bharat’. Her Address fortifies the commitment towards ‘Viksit Bharat’, instills new confidence, and motivates the common populace.”
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