In a scathing address during the Lok Sabha's Motion of Thanks on President's Address debate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that opposition parties had 'lost the courage' to contest elections and had surrendered themselves to a prolonged stay on the opposition benches.
Modi suggested that some opposition leaders were considering changing parliamentary seats or moving to the Rajya Sabha.
He expressed appreciation for the opposition's resolution, stating, "Every word of their speeches has confirmed my confidence and that of the country that they have resolved to stay there (in the opposition) for a long time."
Modi squarely blamed the Congress for the current state of the opposition, asserting that the party had a chance to be an effective opposition but failed in that role.
Addressing the opposition, PM Modi said, "For several decades, you were sitting here (in the treasury benches), but now you have resolved to stay there (opposition benches) for several decades. The people will bless you and keep you there. You will achieve greater heights and will be soon seen in the public galleries (of the House)."
Modi accused the opposition of missing a valuable opportunity during the Budget Session to provide constructive suggestions and a meaningful message to the people, especially in an election year.
He criticized the Congress, saying, "Leaders have changed, but the same tune continues." He also claimed that young leaders in the opposition were not allowed to speak, possibly referring to Rahul Gandhi.
Taking a swipe at the Congress, Modi remarked that the party might have to "shut shop" due to its repeated attempts to launch the same political product. He emphasized that the Congress failed to fulfill its responsibilities in the last ten years.
"The Congress party is responsible for the current condition of the opposition. The Congress got an opportunity to become a good opposition. However, they failed to fulfil their responsibility in the last ten years," Modi stated.
In his speech, the prime minister asserted that the opposition's decision to stay on the opposition benches for an extended period was apparent in their speeches and actions. He expressed disappointment that the Congress, especially during an election season, failed to offer something new and constructive.
The Budget Session, according to Modi, presented an ideal chance for the opposition to contribute positively, but they chose not to take it. He concluded by asserting that the opposition had left the country disillusioned, and its leaders needed to introspect on their approach.
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