'Nation Watching, Those Running Away Can't Hear Truth': PM Modi as Opposition Walks Out

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi lambasted the Opposition on Wednesday after they staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha during his address. Sharpening his attack, PM Modi said that the Opposition was "running away as they can’t hear the truth." The Opposition's walkout was triggered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's criticism of former Congress chief and Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi. PM Modi accused Congress of running the government on "auto-pilot and remote pilot," implying that they are not committed to hard work and only know how to wait. This remark was directed at Sonia Gandhi, whom the BJP has often accused of controlling the Manmohan Singh government from behind the scenes.

Modi contrasted this with his own government's approach, stating, "We leave no stone unturned in hard work. We would step up what we did in the last 10 years. Considering what our dreams are, these 10 years were an appetizer. The main course has started now." 

What Happened in Rajya Sabha?

In Rajya Sabha, Opposition MPs protested, raised slogans and walked out as PM Modi spoke in a Motion of Thanks to the President's Address. The Opposition MPs alleged that the LoP was not allowed to speak and that he should be allowed for the same. 

As they walked out, PM Modi said, "The country is watching that those who spread lies do not have the strength to hear the truth. Those who do not have the courage to face the truth, do not have the courage to listen to the answers to questions that were raised in these discussions. They are insulting the Upper House, the glorious tradition of the Upper House."   

Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said, "...I urged them the LoP was given adequate time to speak without any interruptions. Today, they did not leave the House behind, they have left behind dignity. Today, they did not show me their back, they showed it to the Constitution of India. They did not insult me or you, they insulted the oath of the Constitution that they took. There can be no bigger insult to the Constitution of India than this...I condemn their conduct...It is an occasion where they have challenged the Indian Constitution. They outraged the spirit of Indian Constitution, they have disregarded the oath they have undertaken...Indian Constitution is not something to hold in your hands, it is the book to way of life. I hope that they will self-introspect and walk the path of duty."  

Highlights of PM Modi's Speech in Rajya Sabha

• "I would like to extend hearty gratitude to a few colleagues in Congress. Ever since the results came, I was taking note of a colleague - who was not supported by his party but he held his party's flag all alone. For what he said, unke muh mein ghee shakkar. Why am I saying this? He repeatedly said "1/3rd government". What can be a bigger truth than this? We have completed 10 years now and there is 20 more to go. So, we have completed 1/3rd, 2/3rd remains. So, 'unke muh mein ghee shakkar' for his prophecy", said PM Modi in an all-out attack on Congress.
• Taking a jibe at Congress over Lok Sabha 2024 elections, PM Modi said,"With these election results, not only a jump in the capital market is being seen but there is also an atmosphere of joy across the world...Amid this, Congress people are also happy. I can't understand the reason for this joy...Is this joy for the hattrick of loss? Is this joy for falling to nervous 90? Is this joy for another failed launch?..I saw even Kharge ji to be full of energy. But perhaps Kharge ji served his party a lot because the blame of this loss that should have been attributed to someone was saved by him and he stood like a wall instead...Whenever such a situation arises, a Dalit and backward have to bear the brunt and that family remains safe. The same was seen here too. You would have seen the issue of Lok Sabha Speaker, there too their defeat was certain but who did they push forward? A Dalit. They knew that he will lose, still he was fielded. In President and Vice President elections, in 2022 they fielded Sushil Kumar Shinde; let they Dalit lose, they themselves have nothing to lose. In 2017, when the defeat was certain, they fielded Meira Kumar...Congress has an anti-SC/ST/OBC mindset due to which, they kept humiliating former President Ram Nath Kovind. With this mindset, they left no stone unturned in insulting the first tribal woman President of the country and used words they no one else can."
• "This opportunity given to us for the third time by the people of the country is to realise 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'," said PM Modi in Rajya Sabha.
• "We feel proud of the wisdom and intelligence of the people of this country, in these elections. They defeated propaganda. They prioritised performance. They rejected the politics of deceit and put stamp of victory on the politics of trust", PM stated.
• "The next five years are to ensure saturation of basic facilities and for the fight against poverty. This country will emerge victorious against poverty in the next five years, and I am saying this based on the experience of the past 10 years. When India will become the third largest economy in the world, its impact will be on every sphere of life", said PM Modi in Rajya Sabha.
• "India has taken decisive steps towards women-led development and today we are its results. We have also worked in the areas of women's health, sanitation and wellness."
• “During Congress’s tenure, there was a scheme for Rs 60,000 crore farmers' loan waiver but names of the needy small farmers were not even included in the list of beneficiaries.”
• Speaking on Dinajpur incident, PM said,"The Opposition's selective attitude on atrocities against women is very worrying...I have seen a video from Bengal on social media where a woman was being beaten...The incident which happened in Sandeshkhali....But even the senior leaders (of the opposition) have not said a word about it..."