PM’s reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in Rajya Sabha

Narendra Modi replied to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address to Parliament in the Rajya Sabha today.

Addressing the House, the Prime Minister thanked the President for the inspirational and encouraging address. Around 70 members presented their views on the President’s address and the Prime Minister thanked the members. 

Reflecting on the democratic journey of the country, the Prime Minister said that after 60 years, the electorates of India have brought back a government for the third consecutive time, terming it a historic feat. While condemning the opposition’s move to undermine the electorates’ decision, Shri Modi said that in the past few days, he has observed that the same lot has accepted its defeat and their victory with a heavy heart.

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the present government has only completed one-third of its rule i.e. 10 years and that two-thirds or 20 years remains. The Prime Minister said, “The people of India have wholeheartedly supported and blessed our government’s efforts to serve the country over the past 10 years”. He expressed pride in the judgement shown by the citizens who have defeated propaganda, prioritized performance, rejected the politics of illusions and put a seal of victory on the politics of trust. 

Noting that India is entering the 75th year of the Constitution, the Prime Minister said that it is a special stage as the Parliament of India is also completing 75 years, making it a delightful coincidence. Shri Modi heaped praise on the Constitution of India handed down by Baba Saheb Ambedkar and said those who never had a family member associated with the political spectrum in India are getting the opportunity to serve the country due to the rights enshrined in it. “ It is the Constitution given by Baba Saheb Ambedkar which has allowed people like me, who have zero political lineage, to enter politics and reach such a stage”, he said. He further added that now that the people have put their stamp of approval, the government is here for the third consecutive time. The Prime Minister underlined that the Constitution of India is not just a compilation of articles but its spirit and imprint are extremely valuable. 

Shri Modi recalled that there was staunch opposition raised when his Government had proposed to commemorate 26th November as the “Constitution Day”. He added that their decision to commemorate Constitution day has helped to further disseminate the spirit of the constitution, discuss and deliberate on why and how certain provisions were included and omitted in the Constitution amongst youngsters  in schools and colleges. The Prime Minister was hopeful that the sense of faith and a developed understanding of the Constitution would increase by arranging competitions like essays, debates and extempore amongst our students on various facets of the Constitution. “The Constitution has been our biggest inspiration”, he added. Shri Modi underlined that as the Constitution was entering into the 75th year of its existence,  his Government planned to celebrate it as “Jan Utsav '' to ensure nationwide celebrations. He further added that they would also strive to ensure that the spirit and motive of the Constitution is made aware in every nook and corner of the country.