Kisan Andolan Is Holy, ‘Andolanjeevis’ Have Hijacked The Movement And Rendered It Without Purpose: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (10 February) began his reply to the motion of thanks in the Lok Sabha to President Ram Nath Kovind ahead of the culmination of the budget session of the Parliament.

His speech is much awaited considering it comes in the backdrop of the Delhi Border farmer protests - which have morphed into an internationally coordinated movement as revealed in the toolkit shared by Greta Thunberg.

In his speech, PM Modi said that the speech by President showcased India's 'Sankalp Shakti.' His words have boosted the spirit of confidence among the people of India.

He further added that during the discussion on the President's speech, a large number of women MPs took part. “This is a great sign. I want to congratulate the women MPs who enriched the House proceedings with their thoughts,” he said.

The Prime Minister continued: “We are knocking at the doors of 75 years of independence. It is a matter of pride for every Indian and an occasion to move forward. We may be in any corner or belong to any strata of society but we must make a new resolve that where do we want to take India at 100 years of freedom.”

Prime Minister also talked about Atmanirbhar Bharat.

He said, “The post-COVID world is turning out to be very different. In such times, remaining isolated from global trends will be counter-productive. We will have to emerge as a strong player. That is why, India is working towards building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”

"Today we can hear 'Vocal for Local' in every corner of India. People look for local. This sense of self-respect is working a lot for Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” he added.

The Prime Minister also mentioned the hard work done by health workers in tackling the coronavirus pandemic.

“Manish Tewari said that we stayed protected from Corona by God's grace. I'd like to say something. This indeed is God's grace that the entire world shook but we remained safe. It was because doctors and nurses came as God, because they couldn't return to their homes for 15 days,” the prime minister said.

The PM also hailed other service providers who worked tirelessly during the pandemic.

“We could win against COVID as our sanitation workers kept patients clean when nobody else went close to them, it was matter of life and death for them too. They came as form of God. Ambulance drivers knew that they're driving a COVID positive person, they came as a form of God,” he said.

Uproar In House, Opposition Stages Walkout

As Prime Minister began to talk about farm laws, there was an uproar in the House.

“Three farm laws were brought in by Government. These Agricultural reforms are important and necessary. Congress MPs in House debated on colour of the laws (black/white), it would have been better if they had debated on the content and intent of the laws,” he said.

“Farm laws were passed through an Ordinance & later by Parliament. No mandis were shut after the implementation of these laws, MSP did not end anywhere in the nation. It's a truth which we hide, it has no meaning. Purchase on MSP increased after the laws were formed.”

“This House, our Government and we all respect the farmers who are voicing their views on the farm bills. This is the reason why senior Ministers of the Government are constantly talking to them. There is great respect for the farmers,” PM Modi told Lok Sabha.

He then criticised the Opposition for obstructionist politics and rumour-mongering.

“Noises and attempts to obstruct are part of a well-thought strategy. The strategy is to keep making noises otherwise the lies and rumours will be exposed, truth will come out and things will get difficult for them. You won't be able to win people's confidence like that,” he said.

He also addressed Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary amidst the noise and Chowdhary’s interjection, “Adhir Ranjan ji, ab zyada ho raha hai. I respect you. You will get more publicity than TMC in Bengal. Don't worry...This doesn't look good, why are you doing this?"

Congress MPs then staged a walkout.

No One Asked For It, But Farm Laws Brought For Progress Of The Nation: PM Modi

PM Modi further stated, ”Argument has come - why did you provide when we didn't ask. Accepting/refusing depends on you. It's not compulsory. Nobody had demanded law against dowry, still, it was made for nation's progress. Laws were made against Triple Talaq & Child Marriage for progress.”

Taking a jibe at the opposition, he said, “Congress party is divided & confused. Neither it can work for its own good nor it can think about solving the issues of the country. What can be more unfortunate than this?”

Role Of Private Sector Vital: PM Modi

Public sector is essential but at the same time, role of the private sector is also vital. Take any sector- telecom, pharma- we see the role of the private sector. If India is able to serve humanity, it is also due to the role of the private sector: PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha

He stated, “Can't meet challenges of agriculture sector in 21st century with thinking of 18th century. We'll have to change it. Nobody wants farmers to stay stuck in cycle of poverty, that he doesn't get right to live. I believe he shouldn't be dependent on others. It's our responsibility.”

Kisan Andolan is Holy, Andolanjeevis have hijacked it: PM Modi

He also took a jibe at ‘Andolanjeevis’ and said, “I consider 'Kisan Andolan' to be holy. But, when 'Andolanjeevis' hijack 'Pavitra Andolans', showcase photos of those jailed for serious offences, does it serve any purpose? Not allowing toll plazas to work, destroying telecom towers-does it serve a Pavitra Andolan.”

It is important for the country to differentiate between 'Andolanjeevis' and 'Andolankari': PM in Lok Sabha

PM Modi’s Rajya Sabha Speech

While speaking in the Rajya Sabha on 8 February, Prime Minister Modi took on the opposition members who made an U-turn against the farm reforms, by quoting former prime minister Manmohan Singh's pro-farm reform views.

Prime Minister Modi also cautioned the country against the influence of a new form of FDI - Foreign Destructive Ideology. Prime Minister Modi also took a potshot on freelance protesters who he termed as Aandolan-Jeevi and compared them to Parjivis (parasites).

"We are aware of words like Shramjeevi, Buddhijeevi, but I am observing that a new Jamaat has recently taken birth in India known as Aandolanjeevi", said PM Modi.

He also reiterated his government's stand on the minimum support price (MSP) regime and said, “MSP tha, hai, aur rahega” (MSP was, is, and will remain).

Prime Minister Modi's speech is expected to be followed by a speech by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.