Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

I am here to reply on Motion of Thanks on the President’s address. The Hon’ble President has talked in detail about the recent efforts regarding AatmaNirbhar Bharat and Aspirational India in his speech.  I am very grateful to all the hon’ble members who have given their views on this important address.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Before I speak, I would like to mention the incident that happened yesterday. The country has lost respected Lata Didi whose voice has captivated, inspired and infused the country with emotions for so long. While strengthening the cultural heritage and unity of the country, she sang in about 36 languages. This in itself is also an inspiring example of the unity and integrity of India. Today I pay my respectful homage to respected Lata Didi.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

History is witness to the fact that there was a massive change in the world after the Second World War -- a new world order in which we are all living. I can clearly see that the world is moving very fast towards a new world order, towards new systems, after the Corona period. This is such a turning point that we as India should not miss this opportunity. India's voice should also remain vociferous on the main table. India should not underestimate itself for a leadership role. And in this context, the Amrit Mahotsav of independence and 75 years of independence is an inspiring occasion in itself. When the country celebrates hundred years of independence with that inspirational opportunity and new resolutions, we should resolve to take the country to that position with full potential, energy, dedication and determination.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Over the years, the country has experienced a lot of consolidation in basic systems in many spheres. And we have moved forward with great strength. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana program, the houses for the poor, has been going on for a long time, but with the speed and diversity with which it has been expanded, the houses of the poor today are worth more than several lakh rupees today. In a way, the poor owning the pucca housecan be called a Lakhpati today. Which Indian would not be proud that today there is a toilet in the house of the poorest of the poor? Who would not be happy that villages of the country have become open-defecation free?  Let me start by thanking you. Thank you very much. May your love remain enduring!

When there is light in the house of the poor after so many years of independence, it gives strength to the happiness of the country. In a country where a gas connection in a house had become a status symbol, the happiness to have a gas connection in the house of the poor and freedom to a poor mother from smoke stoves is something different.

If you are rooted to the ground and are amongst the people, these things are clearly visible when the poor have their own bank accounts and they are using the bank accounts through mobile phones without going to the bank and the amount given by the government is directly reaching their accounts under the Direct Benefit Transfer. But unfortunately, there are many among you who are still stuck to 2014 and are unable to get out of it. And you have suffered because of that state of mind.The people of the country have recognized you. Some people have already realized, some others are realizing late and the rest of them will realize it in the time to come. You give such long sermons but you forget that you had the privilege of sitting here (treasury benches) for 50 years. But you can’t fathom the reasons behind (your decline).

Now you see, it has been almost 24 years since the people of Nagaland last voted for the Congress in 1998. Odisha voted for you in 1995, it's been 27 years that you didn't get an entry there. You won Goa with an absolute majority in 1994; it's been 28 years since Goa did not accept you. The last time the people in Tripura voted for you was in 1988, about 34 years ago. The condition of the Congress in UP, Bihar and Gujarat is such that they last voted for you in 1985, about 37 years ago. The last time the people in West Bengal favoured you wasin 1972, almost 50 years ago. If you follow the dignity and don't utilize this House, then it is a misfortune of the country. The House should be productive for the country, but efforts are being made to use it for a party. As a result, we are compelled to answer.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Tamil Nadu last gave you the opportunity in 1962 i.e., about 60 years ago. You take the credit for creating Telangana, but even after the formation of Telangana, the people there did not vote for you. It has been 20 years since Jharkhand was formed. Congress never got an absolute majority, but it tries to make a back door entry.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

It is not a question of election results. It is about the intentions and graciousness of those people. Why are the people of the country rejecting those forever who ruled for so many years in such a large democracy? And wherever people made the right decision, you were not allowed to set foot in. If we lose an election, our entire machinery grapples with it for months. But despite so many defeats, your ego does not go and your ecosystem does not let it go. This time Adhir Ranjan ji was reciting so many poetries. Let me also take the opportunity. When I am talking about ego, then I will have to say this:

वो जब दिन को रात कहें तो तुरंत मान जाओ,

नहीं मानोगे तोवो दिन में नकाब ओढ़ लेंगे। जरूरत हुई तो हकीकत को थोड़ा-बहुत मरोड़ लेंगे।

वो मगरूर है खुद की समझ पर बेइन्तिहा, उन्‍हें आईना मत दिखाओ। वो आईने को भी तोड़ देंगे।

(When he says day to night, then agree to it immediately,

If you don’t, he will wear a veil during the day. If need be, he will twist the reality a little.

He is proud of his own intellect so much,

Do not show him the mirror. He'll even break the mirror.)

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Today the nation is celebrating the Amrit Mahotsav in 75 years of independence and is entering a virtuous period. It does not matter who all and from which party contributed to the freedom struggle. It is time to reminisce about all those who sacrificed themselves for the country and make resolutions keeping in mind their dreams.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

For centuries, we have been committed to democracy by culture, nature and system. But it is also true that criticism is an ornament of a vibrant democracy, but blind criticism is an insult to democracy. It would have been better to accept and welcome ‘SabkaPrayas’ with an open mind for India’s achievements so far.

In the last two years, the human race of the whole world is facing the biggest crisis of the global pandemic in a hundred years. Those who tried to judge India on the basis of its past feared that such a huge country with such a large population and so much diversity and habits would not be able to fight such a big battle and save itself. That was their thinking. But what is the situation today? Made in India Covidvaccines are the most effective in the world. Today, India is getting closer to the goal of 100 percent first dose. And about 80 percent of the second dose milestone has also been completed.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Corona was a global pandemic, but it is also being used for party politics. Is it good for humanity?

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Congress has crossed its limits during this Corona period.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

During the first wave, when the country was following the lockdown, the WHO used to advise people around the world and all the health experts were asking people to stay put where they were, because anybody infected with Corona could carry Corona along with him wherever he would go. Then, what did the Congress members do? They gave free railway tickets to workers in Mumbai and encouraged them to leave Mumbai. ‘You belong to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. You leave so that the burden on Maharashtra would ease.  You go and spread Corona there.’ You have committed a great sin. An atmosphere of massive chaos was created. You pushed our laboring brothers and sisters into many troubles.

And Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

There was a government in Delhi at that time, which is still there. That government put microphones on jeeps and took them to slums of Delhi and said: ‘There is a huge crisis, go to your homes and villages’. They provided buses from Delhi and left them halfway and created many difficulties for the people. As a result of this sin, Corona spread in UP, Uttarakhand and Punjab, where the rate of infection was not so high. 

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

What kind of politics is this at the time of crisis in mankind? How long will this party politics last?

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Not only me, but the entire country is shocked by this conduct of Congress. For two years, the country has been facing the biggest crisis in a hundred years. The way some people behaved, the country has started thinking about whether this country does not belong to them. Are the people of this country not yours? Aren't their joys and sorrows yours? Such a huge crisis is there and the leaders of many political parties should introspect. Did they ever request and make an appeal to people to wear masks, wash hands regularly and maintain a distance of two yards as Corona is such a crisis, a global pandemic? Had they repeatedly told the people of the country, what would have the BJP government gained? What would Modi gain? But they missed out on such a sacred thing even during such a big crisis.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

There are some people who were waiting for the Coronavirus to engulf Modi's image. (They) waited for long and Corona has also tested your patience. Every day you mention the name of Mahatma Gandhi to pin down others. Who stops us from reiterating Mahatma Gandhi's message on ‘Swadeshi’? If Modi says 'vocal for local', drop the words. But don't you want the country to become self-sufficient? If you talk about the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, then what do you lose by joining and giving strength to this campaign in India? You take the lead. Spread Mahatma Gandhi's message of ‘Swadeshi’, the country will benefit. Perhaps, you do not want to see Mahatma Gandhi's dreams come true.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

In a way, Yoga has established itself in the world during Corona. Which Indian in the world would not be proud of Yoga? But you made fun of it and opposed it too. It would have been better had you told people to practice Yoga as they were home-bound due to the crisis and it would benefit them. What was the harm in it? You may have a problem with Modi, but let the ‘Fit India Movement’ continue, let the youth of the country become strong and capable. Political parties have small youth platforms and they could have utilized those platforms to encourage the youth of the country to move towards this potential through the ‘Fit India Movement’. But there was opposition to it and it was even ridiculed. I just do not understand what has happened to you. I am saying this so that you should understand where you are now? I talked about the past and how so many states have not let you in for the last 15 to 60 years.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

I am saying this very lovingly, so don't get angry. Sometimes, I think, Hon'ble Speaker, they have made up their mind not to return to power for the next 100 years through their statements, programs and deeds and the way they speak and engage with issues. Please don’t do this. Had there been even a little bit of hope that the country would again garland you; you would not have done this. Well, since you have already made up your mind for 100 years, then I have also prepared myself for it.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

This House is witness to all that has been said by all possible persons from day one about whatever strategy India had chalked out to deal with the situation arising out of the corona global pandemic. Those who said whatever at that time would themselves be surprised now with their statements.  Big conferences were called with people from different parts of the world and they were made to make statements so that India became disgraceful in the world. My God, what was said at that time just to sustain themselves! Experts saw how your entire ecosystem was involved. But whatever understanding we had, whatever understanding God had given to us … dedication was greater than the understanding. And where dedication is greater than understanding, there is also the power to offer to the country and the world. And we have done that. All the experts of the economic world agree that the economic policies with which India carried itself forward in this Corona period are exemplary in themselves. And we also experience this as we have seen.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

India is the fastest growing economy among the major economies of the world today.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Even in this Corona period, our farmers made record production and the government made record purchases. You would know that a report on the pandemic that happened a hundred years ago says that the number of people who died of the disease was similar to those who died of hunger. This country has not allowed anyone to die of hunger, provided free ration to more than 80 crore countrymen and is doing it even today.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Our exports are at the historically highest level. And this is in the Corona period. Agricultural exports are at a record high. Software exports are inching towards new heights. Mobile phone exports have grown phenomenally. It may be causing tension to many, but it is the marvel of the AatmaNirbhar Bharat that   defence exports are also making their mark.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Obstructions in the House are necessary as the debate gets heated. But when we go out of bounds, it seems that our companions are like this.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

An MP of their party had started the discussion and there were some minor interruptions from the treasury benches. And I was watching on the screen from my room that our minister Pralhad ji went to the rear and stopped everyone. Then there was a challenge from that side that ‘if you stop us, then we will do the same to your leader’. Is this the reason why this is happening?

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

You and all of you should now try to improve your CR. Now I believe that your CR has improved whatever you have done. Those who have to register (their protest) have done, you have achieved the feat, why are you doing so much? Believe me, nobody will throw you out of this session. I give you the guarantee.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

A record investment of FDI and FPI is happening in India today. Today in the field of renewable energy, India is in the top five countries of the world.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

All this has become possible because reforms were necessary to save the country during the Corona crisis. And it is because of those reforms that today we are in this position.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

We provided necessary support to every industry, including MSMEs, simplified rules and procedures. We tried our best to fulfill the mission of the AatmaNirbhar Bharat. India made all these achievements at a time when a massive economic upheaval is going on at the international level even today. The supply chain is completely shattered. There has been a crisis in logistic support. There has been a big crisis on chemical fertilizers due to supply chain disruptions as India is dependent on imports. India is facing a huge economic burden. Despite these circumstances, India did not force the farmers to bear this pain. India took the entire burden on its shoulders and did not transfer it onto farmers. India has continuously maintained the supply of fertilizers to farmers. India made several decisions to take the farming and small farmers out of the crisis. Sometimes I think, the people who are cut off from the roots, have got used to living in palaces for two or four generations, they have not been able to understand the problems of small farmers of the country. They could not see beyond a few farmers to whom they had access. I want to ask such people why do you have so much antipathy towards small farmers? Why do you keep creating hurdles for the welfare of small farmers and put small farmers in a crisis?

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

If we want freedom from poverty, we have to make our small farmers strong. If the rural economy is to be strengthened, we need to strengthen our small farmers. If our small farmer becomes capable, he will try to modernize even his small two hectares of land and learn new things. When he becomes empowered, the economy of the country will also get a boost. Therefore, it is my endeavor to pay attention to the small farmers. But those people who have antipathy towards small farmers, who do not know the pain of small farmers, do not have any right to do politics in the name of farmers.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

We have to understand that some people have not been able to change the mentality of hundreds of years of slavery even after 75 years of independence. That mentality of slavery is a big hurdle for the progress of any nation.

But Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

When I see the picture of the country, there is a community, a class, which lives in that mentality of slavery even today. Even today, it is clinging to the approach of the 19th century and favours laws of the 20th century.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

The slave mentality, the standard of life of the 19th century, the 20^th-century laws, cannot fulfill the aspirations of the 21st century. Change is very important to adapt to the 21st century.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

What was the result of the change that we rejected? The plans for the freight corridor were made after so many years. It was planned in 2006 and look at its progress from 2006 to 2014. It accelerated only after 2014. The Saryu Canal Project in UP started in the ‘70s and its cost increased by 100 times. We completed it after our government was formed. What kind of approach is this? The Arjun Dam Project started in UP in 2009. Till 2017, only one-third of the expenses were made. We got it done in such a short time. If Congress had power for so many years, it could have converted the Char Dham into all weather roads, but did not. The whole world understands the importance of waterways. It was our country that rejected the waterways. Today our government is working on the waterways. The old approach led to the closure of Gorakhpur's factories whereas our approach has led to the reopening of the Gorakhpur fertilizer factory.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

These people are cut off from the ground, and as a result, the movement of the file, the signatures on it and the visitors coming next are important. The file is everything for you whereas the life of 130 crore countrymen is important for us. You were lost in the files and we are working hard to change the life of the people. As a result, the Prime Minister's GatiShakti Master Plan is moving with a holistic approach and not in bits. Unlike in the past, when the road was under construction, then people from the electricity department would dig the road. When it became ready, then the water department would dig it again. Resolving all these problems, we are working towards the GatiShakti Master Plan even at the district level. Similarly, we are laying great emphasis on the multimodal transport systems and connectivity. After independence, if rural roads were built at the fastest pace, it was in this five-year period.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

National Highways are being built. Railway lines are being electrified. Today the country is building a network of new airports, heliports and water drones. The work of the optical fiber networks is going on in more than 6 lakh villages of the country.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

All these projects are such that they create employment. Modern infrastructure is the need of the country today and unprecedented investment is being made and employment is also being generated. The pace of development is also picking up and, therefore, today the country is working in that direction.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

The more the economy grows, the more employment opportunities will be created. And with this goal in mind, we have focused on it in the last seven years. And the result is our AatmaNirbhar Bharat campaign. Be it the manufacturing or service sector, our production is increasing in every sector. Today we are becoming a part of the global value chain through the AatmaNirbhar Bharat campaign. This in itself is a good sign for India. Our major focus is in the labor-intensive sectors like MSMEs and textiles. We have created new opportunities by improving the definition of MSME. In order to protect its small industries, the government has also started a special scheme worth three lakh crore rupees for MSMEs in the critical period of the corona and our MSME sector has got the benefit of it. The SBI has conducted a study on it. The SBI's study says that 13.5 lakh MSMEs have been saved due to this scheme and 1.5 crore jobs have been protected. About 14 percent of MSMEs, which could have turned into NPAs, were saved due to loans provided under this scheme.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Those members who hit the ground can see its effect. Many opposition friends also tell me that this scheme has become very useful and has given a lot of support to the MSME sector in this hour of crisis.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Similarly, the Mudra Yojana is proving successful for our mothers and sisters. Today, lakhs of people have moved forward in the direction of self-employment by taking a loan from the banks without guarantee and they are also providing employment to one or two people. Similarly, the SVANidhi Yojana for street vendors!For the first time after independence, street vendors are getting loans from the banks and are doing digital transactions and crores of workers are getting benefits. We have spent more than two lakh crore rupees on poor workers. We have directly transferred money to the accounts of thousands of beneficiaries under the AatmaNirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

There is a great need for better infrastructure to give momentum to the industry. The PM GatiShakti Master Plan will greatly reduce logistic costs. And due to this, goods will be able to reach cheaply in the country as well and those involved in exports will also be able to compete with the world. Therefore, the PM GatiShaktiPlan is going to be very beneficial in the coming days.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

The government has done another important work. We have opened new sectors for entrepreneurs. Under the AatmaNirbhar Bharat Scheme, we have invited the private sector to become partners in the development of the country in space, defence, drones and mining. In order to create a better environment for entrepreneurs in the country, a simple tax system was started by doing away with approximately 25,000 compliances. Today, I would also request the states to find out and eliminate such compliances. Citizens of the country are facing problems, you should understand that. Today such barriers are being removed in the country. We are taking one step after another to give a level playing field for the domestic industry.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Today the country is coming out of the old concept that the government creates destiny, that you have to depend on the government, no one can fulfill your hopes and aspirations other than the government and the government will provide everything. It is due to such a huge ego that the country's potential also got hurt. Therefore, we started afresh as far as the ordinary youth's dreams and the youth skills are concerned. It is not that the government does everything. The strength of the countrymen is manifold. When their potential and determination come together, the result is visible. There were only 500 start-ups in our country before 2014. When an opportunity is given to the youth of the country then what are the results?  In these seven years, 60,000 start-ups are working in the country. This is the strength of the youth of my country. And now unicorns are being created out of this and the value of each unicorn is worth thousands of crores rupees.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

And in a very short span of time, India's Unicorns are moving towards making the century.This is huge. Earlier it used to take decades to become a company of thousands of crores. Today is the strength of our youth and the policies of the government that the businesses are turning into thousands of crores in a year or two.

And Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

We are ranked in the top 3 in the world in respect of start-ups and unicorns. Which Indian would not be proud of it? But at such a time they have got used to contradicting this government. They start early in the morning and here I saw our Adhir Ranjan ji was saying what is that Modi-Modi you do? That is what you were saying, right! You people start early in the morning. You cannot spend a moment without Modi. Modi is your life force.

And Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Some people enjoy intimidating the youth, entrepreneurs and the best creators of the country. They draw pleasure in intimidating them and misleading them. The youth of the country is not listening to them, and therefore, the country is progressing.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Some of our unicorns have the potential to become multinational companies. But there are people in Congress who say that these enterprising people- they say this for them and you will be surprised to know-are variants of coronavirus. What has happened? Are entrepreneurs in our country variants of coronavirus? What are we saying and for whom? It is causing damage to the Congress party.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Those who do not learn from history get lost in history.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

I am saying this because all their prominent people, who led the country, feature in the decades between the 60s and 80s. What used to be the narrative in the decades of the 60s and 80s?  The allies enjoying power with the Congress used to call the governments of Pandit Nehru ji and Smt. Indira Gandhi ji as the Tata-Birla governments. This government is being run by Tatas and Birlas. It was said for Nehru ji and Indira ji during the decades of the 60s and 80s. You shared power with them, but you embraced their habits as well. You are also speaking the same language. You have slipped so low. I think today the punching bag has changed but your habits have not changed. The same people had the courage to speak in the House as well as outside that Make in India cannot happen. Can anyone think of India like this? That Make in India cannot happen! Why are you insulting the country? Why do you speak against the country? Make in India was mocked. And today the youth power of the country, the entrepreneurs of the country haveproved it and you have become a butt of jokes. And I am very well able to understand how much pain the success of Make in India is causing you.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Some people have a problem with Make in India because Make in India means an end to commissions, corruption and filling of coffers. And, therefore,they oppose Make in India. It was the sin of ignoring the potential of the people of India, an insult to the ability of the small entrepreneurs of the country, an insult to the youth of the country and an insult to the innovative potential of the country.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Since they themselves are not able to succeed, therefore, they (are creating) this negativity and an atmosphere of despair in the country!  But the youth of the country have become aware of the games which are being played to derail the country.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

What was the attitude towards Make in India by those who used to run the governments earlier, who ran the governments of the country for 50 years? If we look only at the defence sector, then we would realize what they used to do, how they used to do it, why they used to do and for whom they used to do it. What used to happen earlier? The process to buy new equipment would go on for years. And when the final decision was made that equipment would become obsolete. Now tell me, what good does it do to the country? It used to be outdated and we used to pay for it. We simplified all these processes. We tried to settle the issues pending in the defence sector for years. Earlier, we had to look to other countries for the purchase of any equipment. At the time of need, it was bought in a hurry. Even for spare parts, we were dependent on other countries. One cannot ensure the security of this country by relying on others. We should have a unique system, our own system. To be self-reliant in the defence sector is a great job of national service and today I also call upon the youth of the country to choose this field in their career. We will stand with strength.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Provision has been made in this budget that we will develop more and more defence equipment in India itself and will buy from Indian companies only. We are working to put an end to purchases from outside. Apart from fulfilling the requirement of our forces, we are also moving ahead with the dream of becoming a big defence exporter and I am sure this resolution will be fulfilled. I know how, in defence deals, influential forces would earlier swayeven the mighty. Modi has challenged these forces. Therefore, it is natural for them to not just express their displeasure at Modi but also be angry with him and their anger continues to manifest.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Some of our colleagues from the opposition also raised the issue of inflation here. It would have been better for the country had you raised this concern during the Congress-led UPA government. You should have felt this pain at that time also. You may have forgotten, but I want to remind you. In the last five years of the Congress government, the country had to face double-digit inflation for almost the entire term. This was the situation before we formed the government. Such were the policies of the Congress that the government itself began to believe that inflation was out of its control. In 2011, the then Finance Minister had shamelessly told people not to expect any Aladdin magic to bring down inflation. This is the insensitivity of your leaders. Our Chidambaram ji, who writes articles in newspapers on the economy these days, said in 2012 while in government that the people have no problem in paying 15 rupees for a bottle of water and 20 rupees for ice cream, but cannot tolerate an increase of a rupee in the cost of wheat or rice. This was the statement of your leader. Such an insensitive attitude towards inflation! This is cause for concern.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Inflation is directly linked to the common man of the country. And our NDA government has tried to diligently handle this issue by being alert and sensitive from day one. And the primary goal of our fiscal policy is to rein in inflation.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

We tried that inflation and prices of essential items should not hit the sky even in this period of such a massive pandemic in 100 years and inflation should not be beyond the tolerable limits for the common man, especially the poor. These figures themselves speak about what we did to keep inflation under check. While the inflation rate during the Congress rule was in double digits, it was more than 10 percent, whereas inflation has been less than 5 percent from 2014 to 2020. Despite Corona, inflation this year has been 5.2 percent and food inflation has been less than 3 percent. During your rule, you used to get away by citing the global situation. By the way, I would like to tell you what Pandit Nehru ji said about inflation from Red Fort during the Congress rule. See, you always say that I never mention the name of Pandit ji. I am going to refer to him repeatedly. Enjoy yourself today. Your leaders would also say that they had great fun.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Pandit Nehru ji had said this from Red Fort at a time when globalization was not there. While addressing the country from Red Fort, Nehru ji said: ‘Sometimes the war in Korea also affects us. Due to this, the prices of commodities go up and these become out of our control’. This was Nehru ji, the first Prime Minister of India! The first Prime Minister of the country throws up his arms before the country. He further says: ‘If something happens in America too, then it affects the price of commodities’. Imagine how serious the problem of inflation was then that Nehru ji had to throw up his arms in front of the nation, from Red Fort.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Had the Congress government been in power today … it is the good fortune of the country today (that it is not). The country is saved.Had you been there today, you would have abandoned inflation citing Corona. But approaching this problem with great sensitivity, we are working with full force to solve it. Today inflation in America and OECD countries is almost seven percent. But Hon’ble Speaker, we are not among those who run away by blaming anyone. We make sincere efforts and stand with the countrymen with responsibility.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Many figures were cited in this House in regard to poverty reduction, but one thing was forgotten. The poor of this country are not so treacherous that any government would work for their welfare and then they would throw them out of power, it is not in the nature of the poor of the country. The reason behind your plight is that you had assumed that you would keep the poor trapped in your clutches through slogans.  But the poor have woken up, the poor have recognized you. The poor of this country are so conscious that they have restricted you to 44 seats. The Congress had been winning elections on the slogan of ‘GaribiHatao’ since 1971. Poverty did not go away after 40 years, but the Congress government has given a new definition.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

It is very important for the youth of the country to know these things and Mr. Speaker, they disrupt when they realize that they are going to be hit very hard. They know that they are in trouble today. Some people run away after their address and their poor colleagues have to bear it.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Poverty did not go away after 40 years, but the poor removed the Congress. And what did the Congress do, Hon'ble Speaker? Congress changed the definition of poverty. In 2013, it made 17 crore poor people rich on paper in one stroke. The youth of the country should know the truth. Let me give you an example. You know earlier the railways used to have first class, second class and third class (compartments). For the first class, one line was drawn next to the door (of the compartment), two lines were drawn for the second class and three lines for the third class. They felt that this third class message was not right, so they removed one line. These are their methods and they feel that poverty has been removed. By changing all the basic norms, they said that 17 crore will not be counted as poor. They have been engaged in changing the figures like this.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Attemptswere made to raise some elemental issues here. I tried very hard to understand. Maybe someone has understood, I have not found anyone yet. But if anyone has understood, I am prepared to understand. Hon'ble Speaker, there have been mentions about the nation in the House. These are surprising. Before I speak further, I want to reiterate one thing. And I'm quoting:

“It is fascinating to find how the Bengalis, the Marathas, the Gujaratis, the Tamils, the Andhras, the Oriyas, the Assamese, the Canarese, the Malayalis, the Sindhis, the Punjabis, the Pathans, the Kashmiris, the Rajputs, and the great central block comprising the Hindustani-speaking people, have retained their peculiar characteristics for hundreds of years, have still more or less the same virtues and failings of which old tradition or record tells us, and yet have been throughout these ages distinctively Indian, with the same national heritage and the same set of moral and mental qualities.”

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Describing this quality of Indians, there are two words in this quotation which should be noted -- 'National Heritage' and this quote is of Pandit Nehru in his book 'Bharat Ki Khoj'. Our national heritage is one. Our moral and mental qualities are one. Is it possible without a nation? Insulting this House, it was said that the word 'Nation' does not appear in our constitution. ‘Nation’ is written in the Preamble of the Constitution. How is it that it can’t be there? Why is Congress insulting this? I will share my point of view in detail.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

'Nation' is not an arrangement of power or government. Hon’ble Speaker, 'Nation' for us is a living soul. And the countrymen have been associated and battling with it for thousands of years. It is written in Vishnu Purana and it has not been written by any party –

उत्‍तरम यश समुदक्षय हिमावरे चरु दक्षिणम

वर्षतत भारतम नाम भारत यत्र संतित

That is, the country which is north of the sea and south of the Himalayas is called India and their children are called Indians. If this verse of Vishnu Purana is not acceptable to the people of Congress, then I will use another quote, because you can be allergic to some matters. I quote:  “A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new-- when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.”  These are also the words of Nehru ji. After all, which nation was Nehru ji talking about?

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Enormous attempts were made to set the Tamil sentiment on fire here. The tradition of the Congress for politics is seen in the legacy of the British, 'divide and rule'. But today I want to reiterate here what the great poet of Tamil language and freedom fighter Subramanya Bharathi wrote. Tamil-speaking people forgive me if there is any mistake in my pronunciation. But there is no dearth in my respect and feelings. Subramanya Bharathi ji had said-

मनुम इमये मले एंगल मले, पनरुम उपनिक नुलेंगल दुले

पारमिसे एदोरू नुलइदहू पोले, पोनेरो भारत नाडेंगन नाड़े

पोडरूओम इते इम्‍मकिलेड़े

I translate what he has said in the Tamil language:

The expository Upanishads are our prized treasure

The entire world doesn't have any work of that measure.

Oh, the Golden Bharath is verily our own land

Hail our land, we are of a matchless brand!!

This is the essence of the poem of Subramanya Bharathi ji. I would like to salute all the citizens of Tamil Nadu today.

When our CDS Rawat died suddenly in a helicopter crash in the south and as his body was being taken to the airport in Tamil Nadu, lakhs of my Tamil brothers and sisters queued up on the roads for hours. They stood on the road for hours waiting for any news. And when CDS Rawat's body was being taken out, every Tamilian was raising his hands with pride and shouting with tears in his eyes – Veer Vanakkam, Veer Vanakkam. This is my country. But Congress has always despised these things. A divisive mindset is ingrained in their DNA. The British have left, but the Congress has made this policy of 'divide and rule' as its character. And that is why today the Congress has become the leader of the ‘tukdetukde’ gang.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Those who are not able to stop us from the process of democracy are trying to stop us here through acts of indiscipline, but they will not succeed.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

The Congress party does not have any desire to return to power. They have a pessimistic philosophy of undoing everything if they can’t achieve anything. But in that greed, they are sowing seeds in the country which will only strengthen separatist forces. Many things were spoken in the House and a lot of effort was made to instigate some people of the country. If we look closely at every action and activity of Congress in the last seven years, their game plan becomes very clear. And that is what I am exposing today.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Whatever may be your game plan, many such people have come and gone. Lakhs of efforts were made for selfish reasons, but this country is immortal, nothing can happen to this country. Those making such efforts have lost something or the other every time. With the belief that this country was one, was the best, this country is one, this country will remain the best, we are moving forward.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

An objection has also been raised in the matter of duties. Some people have been troubled about why the Prime Minister of the country talks about duty. Just to remain in the limelight, some people create controversy without a sense of understanding or with a bad intention. I am surprised that Congress has suddenly started feeling the pinch regarding duty.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

You often say that Modi ji does not mention Nehru ji's name, so today I am fulfilling your wishes. See, what Nehru ji had said regarding duties. Let me quote him.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

Pandit Nehru ji, the first Prime Minister of the country,said:  "I tell you again that there is a free Hindustan. We celebrate the anniversary of free Hindustan, but with freedom arises responsibility.”And, in other words, duty itself is responsibility. If somebody wants to understand this, let me make him understand. In other words, duty is called responsibility. Now, this is the quote of Pandit Nehru - "I tell you again that there is a free Hindustan. We celebrate the anniversary of free Hindustan, but with freedom arises responsibility. The responsibility lies not with the government only, but with every free person. If you do not understand that responsibility, then you have not fully understood the meaning of freedom and you can’t save freedom.” This is what the country’s first Prime Minister Pandit Nehru ji said on duties and you forgot that too.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

I don't want to take much time of the House and they are also tired. Hon’ble President, there is a saying:

क्षणशः कणश: श्चैव विद्यामर्थं च साधयेत्।

क्षणे नष्टे कुतो विद्या कणे नष्टे कुतो धनम्।।

That is, every moment is important for learning. Every single particle is necessary for resources. Knowledge cannot be acquired by wasting every moment and if every particle is wasted, if small resources are not used properly, then resources get exhausted. I would ask Congress and its allies to brainstorm whether you are not destroying this important moment of history. There's so much to criticize me, to curse my party, you can do it. And keep doing it in the future as there will be no dearth of opportunities. But this virtuous period of independence, this period of 75 years, is a period of positive contribution in the development journey of India. I urge the opposition and all the colleagues sitting here and through the House to the countrymen also on this Amrit Mahotsav of freedom, that let us unite for the resolution of the AatmaNirbhar Bharat. Let us try to fulfill where we have fallen short in the last 75 years and move ahead with a resolution, how to develop the country before 2047, the centenary year, and to work together for the development of the country. Politics is in its place, but let us rise above party sentiments and accord priority to the sentiments of the country. Do whatever in the arena of elections, but we should come forward in the interest of the nation. This is my expectation. When there will be hundred years of independence, people who will be sitting in this House will definitely discuss the progress on such a strong foundation. The country should go into the hands of such people who have the desire to take it forward. We should make good use of the time we have. Let us not hesitate in building our golden India. Let us engage in that effort with all our might.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker,

I once again endorse the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address. I once again thank all the hon’ble MPs who participated in the discussion in this House. You gave me the opportunity to speak and attempted to disrupt me, but despite that, I tried to clarify all the subjects. Thanks a lot!

DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi.

***

DS/LP/AK/VK