From Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Traitor’ Remark To TMC ‘Saving Infiltrators’: PM Modi’s Swift Jibes At Opposition, Watch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong and wide-ranging speech in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, February 5, while replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address.

His address, marked by sharp political attacks, development-focused arguments and repeated interruptions by the Opposition, reflected the intense political atmosphere inside Parliament.

As protests continued, several Opposition MPs eventually staged a walkout.

PM Modi Targets Rahul Gandhi Over 'Traitor' Remark

At the beginning of his address, PM Modi launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over a remark made a day earlier. Referring to Congress MP Ravneet Singh Bittu being allegedly called a "traitor," the Prime Minister accused the Congress of arrogance and selective outrage.

"What happened yesterday was unfortunate," PM Modi said, adding that Rahul Gandhi had never used such language for leaders who had earlier left the Congress. "He did not call anyone else who left the Congress a traitor. But he called an MP a traitor because he is a Sikh," the Prime Minister said, calling it an insult to the Sikh community and the Gurus.

PM Modi questioned how a citizen could be branded a traitor simply for changing political ideology. "This is not a small word. How can the country tolerate a citizen being called a traitor?" he asked, saying such behaviour would harm the Congress in the long run.

'Congress Dreams of My Grave': PM Modi's Political Jibe

Continuing his attack, PM Modi said some opposition leaders were driven by extreme negativity. "They are moving with the mantra of 'Modi teri kabr khudegi' and yet speak of democracy," he said, questioning the contrast between slogans of love and what he described as deep-rooted hatred.

He added that while previous governments operated through a remote control, his government was guided by the will of the people. "My remote is 140 crore Indians," the Prime Minister said, drawing loud reactions from treasury bench members.

Second Quarter of Century Is Decisive: Viksit Bharat Push

Shifting focus to development, PM Modi said India has entered a crucial phase in its history. "The first quarter of the 21st century is over. The second quarter is decisive, just like the second phase of the freedom struggle was," he said.

He stressed that the country is moving rapidly towards the goal of Viksit Bharat. According to him, the past few years have been marked by fast-paced development across sectors and society. He highlighted India's strong economic performance, saying high growth combined with controlled inflation has become a key strength.

India's Global Rise and Trade Deals

The Prime Minister underlined India's growing role on the global stage. He said the world is increasingly looking towards India as a trusted partner. "Today, India is not just Vishwamitra but Vishwabandhu," he said, referring to India's role as a friend to the world.

PM Modi highlighted that India has signed nine major trade agreements in recent times, including what he described as the "mother of all deals" with the European Union's 27 countries. He said such future-ready trade deals will open global markets for Indian youth and strengthen the economy.

Reform, Perform, Transform: Fixing Past Mistakes

PM Modi said a significant part of his government's effort has gone into correcting mistakes made by previous regimes. "We are spending energy to erase the damaged image created earlier," he said. Guided by the mantra of "reform, perform and transform," he said India has boarded the "Reform Express."

He criticised former ruling parties for lacking vision and questioned the quality of debate from those who had governed the country for decades.

Swipe at Opposition, TMC and Infiltration Issue

The Prime Minister also attacked the Trinamool Congress and other opposition parties. He accused them of questioning development while failing to govern effectively in states they rule. Referring to illegal infiltration, he alleged that attempts were being made to protect infiltrators, harming the interests of Indian youth by taking away jobs and opportunities.

Without naming West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee directly each time, he criticised the state government's handling of law and order and welfare issues, saying people's futures were being pushed into uncertainty.

Humour Amid Chaos and Opposition Walkout

As Opposition MPs raised slogans, PM Modi made a light remark about Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, saying he should be allowed to sit while raising slogans to avoid discomfort due to his age. The comment drew smiles from BJP MPs but failed to calm the House.

Eventually, several Opposition members walked out as the Prime Minister continued his reply.
PM Modi's speech highlighted the sharp political divide in Parliament.

While the government focused on development, reforms and India's global standing, the Opposition continued protests, turning the debate on the Motion of Thanks into a fiery political confrontation.