In response to the Motion of Thanks to the President's address in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a dig at the opposition for criticizing his government's schemes. He asserted that the BJP would secure 370 seats independently in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and criticized the Opposition on various fronts, including nepotism, corruption, inflation, and casteism. While outlining the achievements of his two terms, he also outlined a vision for making India the third-largest economy during his potential third term.

During the day, the Lok Sabha witnessed the introduction of the Public Examinations Bill, and the Finance Minister presented the interim Budget for Jammu and Kashmir. Subsequently, the House resumed discussions on the President's address.

The Rajya Sabha commenced the Question Hour and continued deliberations on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address. Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav introduced the Water Amendment Bill, 2024, aimed at amending the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

Additionally, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented statements related to the supplementary demand for grants for 2023-24, covering both the central government and the State of Jammu and Kashmir. She also introduced the interim budget for Jammu and Kashmir for the fiscal year 2024-25.

Prime Minister Modi asserted that despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and wars, his government has effectively managed to control the issue of price rise, a problem he attributed to the Congress rule.

Addressing the government's anti-corruption efforts, PM Modi remarked, "The country is shocked witnessing the stacks of cash being recovered..."

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the impact of inflation during Congress' governance, citing popular songs like 'Mehngai Mar Gayi' and 'Mehngai Dayain Khaye Jaat Hai.' He emphasized the contrasting attitude of that time when the government callously hit back at people mocking them for enjoying expensive ice creams despite concerns about inflation.

In Parliament, PM Modi underscored the transformative vocabulary of the new India, encompassing startups, digital creators, unicorns, and the gig economy. He proudly stated that India is now a leading digital economy.

Prime Minister Modi says, "History is witness that when Congress comes to power it brings inflation..."

PM Modi said, "Congress party and UPA government did not do justice with OBCs. A few days ago, Karpoori Thakur ji was conferred with Bharat Ratna. In 1970, when he became Bihar CM, what not was done to destabilise his government? Congress can't tolerate OBCs...They keep counting how many OBCs are there in the government. Can’t you see the biggest OBC here?"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the empowerment of women across various domains, stating, "From space to Olympics, Sashastra Bal to Sansad, the country has witnessed the significant progress of women."

Prime Minister Modi said, "The country has borne the brunt of familyism, and Congress has also suffered from the same. The situation is that Kharge has shifted from this House to that House and Ghulam Nabi Azad has shifted out of the party. They all became the victims of familyism."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "The country is experiencing security and peace. Compared to the last 10 years, the country has indeed become empowered in the area of security. Terrorism and naxalism are now restricted to a small circle. But India's policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism is now compelling the entire world to walk towards this policy...We should be proud of the valour of India's military. People may try to break their morale as much as they want but I trust our military...A few politicians would say something for the military and that would demoralise it - those who think so should come out of those dreams...If they become someone's agent and such language comes out of anywhere, the country can never accept it."

Image source: The Hindu