Video Editor: Ashutosh Bhardwaj
Taking to the floor of the Lok Sabha ahead of the no-confidence vote, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, 20 July, delivered a speech punctuated with barbs and jibes aimed at the Opposition over its allegations.
Addressing the Lower House, Modi urged the members of the House to reject the motion, and called for it to be scrapped.
Joining the debate, Modi said:
I would want the no-confidence motion to be dismissed, so that the Central government can work for the people, with full support of the political parties.
Modi alleged that the no-confidence motion had “exposed” the “negative politics” of the Opposition. Lashing out at the ‘united opposition’, Modi further said that the floor test was not for the government, but was the Opposition’s trial run to test their strength under the pretence of a no-confidence motion.
This is not a floor test of the government, this is a forced test of the Congress’ so-called allies.
Then taking a jibe at Congress President Rahul Gandhi over his hug earlier in the morning, Modi said:
In the morning, the voting was not over, the debate was also not over, one member comes running to me saying, Utho Utho Utho... What is his hurry to come to power? Let me tell this member it is the people who elected us. That is how we have come here.
Highlighting the key achievements from his four-year tenure, Modi invoked his trademark slogan ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas’, adding that his government “stood on the record of 4 years’ worth of work.”
‘India is World’s 6th Largest Economy’
Referring to the Ease of Doing Business, the prime minister said that the country had risen significantly in ranking.
India is now the 6th largest economy in the world, people are celebrating that. India’s rank on Ease of Doing Business, and Innovation Index have risen significantly.
Hailing the government’s health scheme, Modi said:
It is this government that is bringing a scheme like Ayushman Bharat that will give best quality healthcare to the poor.
‘Fight Against Black Money has Earned Me Many Enemies’
Speaking about demonetisation and the ensuing cash crunch crisis, Modi said that his government’s fight against black money would continue, despite the move having earned him several enemies.
‘I Pray to Lord Shiv for No Confidence Motion Against Me in 2024’
Referring to Gandhi’s frequent visits to temples on his campaign tours, Modi took a potshot at the Opposition leader by saying that he too would pray that Lord Shiv gives Gandhi enough strength to move a no-confidence motion against him again in 2024.
‘Congress Indulges in Childish Behaviour’
Lashing out at the Opposition over its ‘childish behaviour’ with respect to the allegations over the Rafale deal and the Doklam standoff, Modi said:
‘Jumla Strikes Comment an Insult to our Forces’
Hitting out at Gandhi over his “Jumla Strikes” comment, Modi said:
‘Hum Saudagar Nahi Hain’
In yet another jibe at Gandhi’s earlier comment where he had called Modi a ‘bhaagidaar’ and not ‘chowkidaar’, Modi said that while he was both the watchman and a participant, he was not a ‘saudagar’ (dealer).
‘Congress Has Divided Andhra Pradesh’
Talking on the issue of Andhra Pradesh's special status, PM Modi blamed the Congress for having 'divided' the state. Stating that he had warned Chief Minister Naidu against leaving the NDA, Modi said:
Modi’s speech comes hours after the debate was set in motion by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, who extended the proceedings time and again.
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