‘Kitna Dhoka Doge, Let Kharge Ji Sit & Raise Slogans’: PM Modi’s Rajya Sabha Speech Sparks Uproar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday during his reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address amid loud protests from opposition members.

The session witnessed repeated sloganeering and disruptions, eventually leading to a walkout by several opposition MPs as the Prime Minister continued his speech.

The address came a day after heated scenes in the Lok Sabha led to the postponement of the Prime Minister's speech there.

Despite the tense political atmosphere, PM Modi spoke about India's development journey, the vision of a developed nation and the importance of maintaining parliamentary decorum.

Opposition Protests And Walkout In Rajya Sabha

As soon as the Prime Minister began his speech in the Rajya Sabha, opposition members started raising slogans such as "Let the Leader of Opposition speak" and "Dictatorship will not work." The noisy scenes continued throughout the initial part of his address.

During the disruptions, PM Modi made a light-hearted remark directed at Congress President and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge. Referring to Kharge's age, the Prime Minister said he should be allowed to sit while raising slogans to avoid discomfort.

He said, "Considering the age of Kharge ji, I urge you, the Chairman, to let him sit and raise slogans so that he faces no discomfort. There are young people at the back, so please permit Kharge ji to sloganeer even while sitting."

The comment drew reactions from both sides of the House. While treasury bench members were seen smiling, opposition leaders continued their protest. Soon after, several opposition MPs staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha as the Prime Minister continued his reply.

PM Modi On Viksit Bharat Vision

In his speech, the Prime Minister emphasised that India has entered a crucial phase in its development journey. He said the coming years will play a decisive role in shaping the country's future and achieving the vision of a developed India.

"The first quarter of the 21st century has completed. But this second quarter is decisive just like the second quarter of India's freedom struggle in the last century was. I can clearly see that in the direction of building Viksit Bharat, this second quarter is going to be equally capable," he said.

The Prime Minister added that the last few years have seen rapid changes across all sectors and sections of society. He said the country is moving ahead at a fast pace with clear policies and direction.

"In the journey of Viksit Bharat, previous years have been the years of rapid development of the country. This has been the era of change in every walk of life and in every section of society. The country is going ahead in the right direction at a fast pace," PM Modi stated.

Background: Heated Scenes In Lok Sabha

The Rajya Sabha speech came a day after dramatic scenes in the Lok Sabha forced the postponement of the Prime Minister's address there. Opposition MPs had gathered near the Prime Minister's seat holding banners, leading to disruptions and adjournment of the House.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla later said he had advised the Prime Minister not to attend the House after receiving inputs about possible disruptions near the Prime Minister's chair. According to him, the decision was taken to avoid any situation that could affect parliamentary decorum.

Budget Session Schedule And Political Tensions

The ongoing Budget session of Parliament began on January 28 and will continue until April 2. Both Houses are scheduled to go on a recess from February 13 to March 9 to allow parliamentary committees to examine budget proposals of various ministries.

The events in both Houses over the past two days reflect the continuing political tensions between the government and the opposition. While the government highlighted its development agenda and future plans, the opposition continued to raise issues and protest in Parliament.

PM Modi's reply in the Rajya Sabha, despite the disruptions and walkout, focused on India's progress and long-term goals. The debate once again highlighted the sharp political divide but also underlined the importance of discussion and accountability in a democratic system.