Modi Lok Sabha speech highlights: PM talks on demonetisation, Congress calls speech arrogant

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress in the Lok Sabha, blaming the party for promoting dynasty politics instead of democracy.

Modi also defended the government’s demonetisation move, the scrapping of Rs500, Rs1,000 currency notes announced on 8 November 2016, while replying to a discussion on Motion of Thanks to President Pranab Mukherjee’s joint address to the Parliament on budget session.

The Congress, however, terming Modi’s speech as “arrogant”, adding that he lost a “good” opportunity to present his vision and what he and his party stood for. “This was quite an arrogant reply. This was the last opportunity for him. Because next budget and President’s address will be before the next Lok Sabha election.” Read more

The motion was tabled by tourism minister Mahesh Sharma. The opposition has blamed the Modi government’s demonetisation drive for economic slowdown, job losses, rural distress.

Here are the highlights from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lok Sabha speech:

■ Surgical strike was a huge decision and very successful, says Modi. (PTI)

■ Modi appeals to all parties to consider the suggestion for holding simultaneous polls to Lok Sabha and Assemblies, rising above political considerations. (PTI)

■ Use of technology, Aadhaar card helped in detection of over 4 crore bogus ration cards. Now, middlemen no longer enjoy the benefits they did. We have stopped the corruption and loot: Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha speech.

■ 22,27,000 houses were constructed in one year: Modi

■ I am taking such decisions which are hurting big people and because of that I am going to face problems. I am ready for that. (PTI)

■ Changes were made in rules repeatedly post-demonetisation as the government wanted to find ways to ease the problems of people: Modi (PTI)

■ We constituted SIT on black money for the first time, also repealed over 1100 outdated laws: Modi

■ Modi asks Congress why Benami law passed during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure in 1988 was not notified for 26 years. (PTI)

■ Black money starts with cash. Like Swachh Bharat, the decision on demonetisation is a movement to clean India (from corruption and black money). The timing of note ban was perfect: Modi

■ We do not see everything from the prism of elections. The interests of the nation are supreme for us: Modi.

■ Modi questions whether the country got freedom only because of the efforts of one family.

■ “From Day 1, we have been clear—we are ready for a discussion on demonetisation but some were more keen on TV bytes and not debates.”

■ It does not matter how big you are, you will have to give back what belongs to the poor. My fight is for the poor. My fight is for the poor and giving the poor their due. This fight will continue.

■ We remember how democracy was under threat from 1975 to 1977, when opposition leaders were jailed, newspaper freedom curtailed.

■ There is something very special about ‘Jan Shakti’. It is due to this ‘Jan Shakti’ that the person born to a poor family can become the Prime Minister of India.

■ Let us understand and appreciate the inherent strength of our people and take India to newer heights. Faith in Jan Shakti will give results.

■ I was surprised that there were some who made cleanliness also a political issue. Why can’t we work together on ushering a Swachh Bharat.

■ There are many people like me, who could not die for the nation during the freedom struggle but we are living for India & serving India.

■ Somewhere on the way, ‘Jan Shakti’ was forgotten. We do not accept this.

■ How can someone see ‘Seva’ or any positive virtue in the word ‘Scam’.

■ I had said it from the Red Fort- every Prime Minister has contributed to the nation.

■ When Rail budget was first presented, the transport sector was different. Now things are different and a more comprehensive look is needed.

■ Various members of the House added vigour into the debate & shared insightful points. I thank the MPs for their participation: PM.