New Delhi:
Rajiv Pratap Rudy, senior BJP leader, said in Parliament today that his party, which won a spectacular victory in the national election, will "listen to all MPs... will take along everyone... our PM has a big heart."
Mr Rudy's comments came as Parliament began discussing the roadmap of PM Narendra Modi's new government which was outlined in President Pranab Mukherjee's speech yesterday to both Houses of Parliament. (
Address by The President of India to the Joint sitting of Parliament: Full Text)
"Sonia-ji, if you offer comments, we will listen to them. But we will not govern India the way your party did," Mr Rudy said, addressing Congress President Sonia Gandhi who was present in the Lok Sabha. (
Also read: PM Narendra Modi's Warm Greeting for Rahul Gandhi in Parliament)
He also highlighted the decimation of the Congress in the national election - the party was saddled with its worst defeat ever. "The Congress has just 44 seats, it has been reduced to a regional party. It is not entitled to the post of Leader of the Opposition," Mr Rudy said.
Yesterday, President Pranab Mukherjee shared the new government's economic plan with parliament. Public and private investment will be used to create jobs for the millions who enter the workforce every year and the government will make containing inflation its top priority, the President said. (
Economic Revival 'Paramount' Goal of Modi Government, Says President)
He stressed that the government will introduce a general sales tax, encourage foreign investment and speed up approvals for major business projects. It will also tackle bottlenecks that have caused food prices to rise more quickly in India than in any other major economy. (
Situation Difficult, Steps To Revive Economy On Anvil: Pranab Mukherjee)
Although Asia's third-largest economy is in its longest slump for a quarter-century, consumer inflation has been stuck at an average of nearly 10 percent for the past two years and was one of the main issues that brought Mr Modi to the helm of the world's largest democracy. (
Read: In President Pranab Mukherjee's Address Smart Phrases and Alliteration)