PM Narendra Modi in Rajya Sabha says election mandate shows maturity of people.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha today replying to the 'Motion Of Thanks On the President's Address'. "This election has been a very significant one... After decades, a government returning with a full majority shows the way in which the citizens/electorate were thinking," he said.
The Parliament met for the eighth day today and various bills including the Aaadhar and other laws (Amendment) bill 2019 and the Special Economic Zones (Amendment) bill 2019 are expected to be taken up by lawmakers in the Lok Sabha.
The Congress Parliamentary Party meeting was also held today.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said agriculture, manufacturing and exports deserve significant attention, in his first speech in parliament after his re-election, days before his government will present the union budget for the financial year ending 2020. He also spoke about water conservation and measures to increase availability of water.
Here are the Highlights form the Parliament Session:
Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu called Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar to Rajya Sabha today and suggested to him that Ministry of Environment should consider keeping in abeyance the 'stop work order' on Polavaram Multipurpose Project by another two years, according to news agency ANI.
PM Modi speaks on water crisis
There are 226 districts in the country where there is water crisis. Now I am trying to mobilize everyone to tackle this, how we can give priority to water in MPLAD funds. We also have to make society aware on water issues. A Jal Shakti ministry has also been setup.
PM Modi in Rajya Sabha says the government has got a mandate to govern and make policy, the opposition has got the mandate to oppose, but no one has got a mandate to obstruct. "We must all work for the benefit of India and Indians," he adds.
Bihar Encephalitis matter of sadness, embarrassment: PM Modi
The deaths in Bihar due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome are unfortunate and a matter of shame for us.
We need to take the issue seriously. People should be made aware of vaccination, safety, and other health benefits. I believe that this is a sad state. Today it is one state, can happen in another state tomorrow. The need of the hour is to strengthen Ayushman Bharat. We want our poor to get top quality and affordable treatment. I am in constant touch with the state government and I am sure we will collectively come out of this crisis soon.
PM Modi speaks on Assam NRC
You take credit for everything, will you not take credit for NRC? Rajiv Gandhi had accepted NRC in the Assam accord. Then Supreme Court had to intervene. Also, the top court directed us so we have implemented it. So why are you not taking credit for this?
I am sure there is no one in this house who will not like India to be part of the 5 trillion dollar economy club. Please gives us constructive suggestions, we are open to all suggestions, we don't believe only we have all the intellect, says PM Modi in the Rajya Sabha.
I still believe had Sardar Patel been made the first Prime Minister of India, Kashmir issue would have been resolved, says PM Modi. "Sardar Patel lived and died as a Congressman."
PM Modi speaks on Jharkhand mob lynching
The accused should get severe punishment, but it is not fair to malign or blame the entire state.
The lynching in Jharkhand has pained me. It has saddened others too. But, some people in the Rajya Sabha are calling Jharkhand a hub of lynching. Is this fair? Why are they insulting a state. None of us have the right to insult the state of Jharkhand.
It is our responsibility to protect each citizen. If we stop seeing through the political lens, we will be able to see a bright future.
Opposition makes fun of everything the Centre does: PM Modi
The Opposition has mocked 'Make in India', Yoga Day.
Now they are slamming New India. Do they want old India back? Old India where cabinet decisions were torn in press meets, old India where Navy was used for personal trips, old India where numerous scams existed?
Voters are aware now: PM Modi in Rajya Sabha
The voters now are very very aware, they not only know what is happening in Lok Sabha but also what is happening in Rajya Sabha, and they voted this time keeping these facts in mind.
Congress has not been able to digest victory: PM Modi
"They have not been able to accept defeat. I do not consider this to be a healthy sign in a democracy.
We are seeing this same attitude when it comes to discussing 'One Nation, One Election.' Yes, people may not like the idea or have inputs on this. But, it is important to present these ideas and have discussions on the subject.
We also took time to understand the EVM. It is a technology, and must be understood and promoted. We saw that by doubting it, we were going down the wrong path. We told ourselves that that is not the way to be, and we handled it maturely. We stopped blaming others.
The Congress has been around from before Independence, they have seen days of victory and glory, but there is one thing I have observed -- that the Congress neither could handle its victory, nor accept its defeat. That is from where their learning must begin. You (Congress) just won elections in three large states, but look at the kind of news that is coming from there...Learn how to handle your victory and accept your defeat.
Those opposing EVMs are not only opposed to EVMs. They have problems with technology, digital transactions, Aadhaar, GST, Bhim App. Why such negativity? This negativity was one of the chief reasons why some parties have not been able to win people's trust."
India's election process example to the world: PM Modi
"The world must know more about our electoral processes. The scale is immense.
Some people kept talking about the EVM issue in this House... I want to tell them that there was a time when we were 2 lawmakers in the Parliament and people mocked us. But, we worked harder and won the trust of the people. We did not make excuses and blame the polling booth. Blaming EVMs is a new trend.
In the 1950s, the polling process took so much time. Violence and booth capturing were common in some places. Now, the news is about rising turnout. This is a healthy sign.
The Opposition does not have the guts to accept defeat.
There have been so many polls with EVMs and parties that are represented in the Rajya Sabha have got opportunities to govern in some state or the other after elections conducted through EVMs. Then, why question EVMs today.
The Election Commission invited parties on the issue of EVMs and only two parties went- CPI and NCP. I appreciate them for going to the EC to learn more about the issue. But, why did the rest of the parties questioning the EVMs not even go, they should answer."
Congress insulted Indian voters: PM Modi in Rajya Sabha
I was saddened when some leaders said- the BJP and allies won the elections but the nation lost, democracy lost. I want to clearly say that such statements are unfortunate. Why question the wisdom of voters?
Do our friends in the Congress Party feel if they do not win, India does not win? Are India and the Congress Party the same thing? No, they are not. It is important to respect our electoral process and democracy.
Did India lose in Wayanad? Did India lose in Rae Bareli? Did India lose in Trivandrum, what about Amethi? What kind of argument is this? If Congress loses then does that mean India lost? There is a limit to arrogance. Congress could not win a single seat in 17 states.
PM Modi's address in Rajya Sabha
"This election has been a very significant one... After decades, a government returning with a full majority shows the way in which the citizens/electorate were thinking. Such a result helps a country and a government greatly by bringing about stability.
The election mandate shows maturity of people. In fact, this trend of stable governments is being seen in various states too."
Watch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Rajya Sabha
PM Modi begins his speech in the Rajya Sabha by paying tributes to Madanlal Saini. He also prays for the good health and quick recovery of senior leader Arun Jaitley.
Around 2pm, PM Narendra Modi will reply to the 'Motion Of Thanks On the President's Address' in the Rajya Sabha.
WATCH: Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya rides a bicycle to Parliament
In the Congress Parliamentary party meeting chaired by Sonia Gandhi today, Rahul Gandhi was determined not to take back his resignation as the Congress President, sources tell news agency ANI.