Previous government did not take decision fearing vote loss: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Triple Talaq

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hit out at Opposition for stalling Triple Talaq Bill in Rajya Sabha and accused previous government at Centre of t taking a decision on issue due to "fear of vote loss".

dressing a rally after laying foundation stone of Talcher Fertilizer Plant, Prime Minister Modi said that even though Opposition created a hurdle in Upper House of Parliament, his government was committed to saving "Muslim sisters and daughters from clutches of social injustice."

"Three days ago, central government took a decision that was needed since deces. decision was on Triple Talaq. one was rey to even talk about it due to fear of losing votes. w, it has been declared illegal," Prime Minister said.

RE | President Ram Nath Kovind Clears Triple Talaq Ordinance Marking It As A Punishable Offence. Re Full Triple Talaq Ordinance Here

On September 19, Union Cabinet approved an ordinance on Triple Talaq Bill, making instant talaq a criminal act. government approved ordinance after it could t be tabled in Rajya Sabha due to lack of consensus last month during monsoon session of Parliament.

Speaking at event about  fertilizer plant, he said construction of plant, picked up speed only after Bharatiya Janata Party-led government came to power at Centre.

While vowing to complete plant in next 36 months, he termed delay of project a "failure of previous government."

RE | MASSIVE: Modi Government Takes Ordinance Route To Make Triple Talaq A Punishable Offence After Cabinet Gives Its d. LIVE UPDATES Here

Setting a tone for upcoming assembly poll in Odisha which is due for next year, Prime Minister Modi attacked Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and said, "I h urged Chief Minister that Odisha will be left behind in cleanliness. But today, when I have come here, I again urge Naveen Babu to give priority to cleanliness in Odisha for health of people here."

Talking about Center's Ayushman Bharat Yojana, which aims to provide health insurance cover to people, Prime Minister said that he even urged Patnaik to be a part of it for welfare of people, but latter did t agree.

Prime Minister Modi, who is on a one-day visit to state, later in day inaugurated Jharsuguda Airport.

RE | "We've Suffered Eugh", Says Dr Zeenat Shaukat Ali, Hailing Triple Talaq Ordinance As Wisest Solution And A Big Win For Muslim Women. Re Here