Kharge slams Modi's 'truth' claim, calls him habitual liar; Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Opposition on Wednesday as they staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha during his address, accusing them of avoiding the truth. The Congress-led INDIA bloc parties walked out after Leader of the Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, was denied the chance to speak. RS chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar condemned the walkout, calling it an insult to the Constitution.

Speaking to the media after leaving the House, Kharge accused Modi of lying in his speech, saying, “We walked out because the PM was addressing the House on the President’s address and told some wrong things. It's his habit to lie and say things beyond the truth. I was clarifying who was for and against the Constitution. They (RSS) have opposed the Constitution. They burnt the effigy of BR Ambedkar & Pandit Nehru.”

During his address, Modi raised the Bengal flogging incident, stating that the Opposition has a selective attitude towards atrocities against women. “It is painful. I saw a video of a woman being beaten up publicly in Bengal. That sister is screaming, but no one is coming to help her. What happened in Sandeshkhali was gruesome. Even those who see themselves as progressive female leaders are tongue-tied. Their politics is selective,” he said.

Modi also addressed the paper leaks issue, assuring the youth that the government will not spare the culprits and has made a tough law for it. He emphasized his government's commitment to fighting corruption, saying, "I have given a free hand to agencies to take stringent action against corruption. Government will not interfere. No corrupt will be safe from the law."

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi echoed the sentiments of the walkout, stating, "We were demanding our Constitutional rights. When the LoP demanded time to interject, the chairman denied it. He forgot that when LoP was speaking in the Lok Sabha, the PM, Home Minister and others interjected unconstitutionally. We walked out to keep the dignity of the House."

In response, RS chairman Dhankhar stated, "I gave the LoP a chance to speak without interruption. He has turned his back not to you and me, but to the constitution. He has insulted the constitution. People of the country would be sad. They have challenged the Indian constitution and disregarded their oath."

Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Modi said it was his duty to provide a detailed account of the government's work, emphasizing India’s steps towards women-led development and improvements in women's health, sanitation, and wellness. He criticized the Congress, citing a Rs 60,000 crore farmers' loan waiver scheme that failed to include small farmers.

Modi concluded by noting the government's economic achievements, bringing India’s economy from number 10 to number 5 globally, despite challenges like the pandemic. He stressed the people's mandate for future work, saying, "People trust only us, so they gave us this chance."

Regarding Manipur, Modi provided an update on the ongoing efforts to restore peace amidst ethnic conflict since May 2023. "The government is committed to making the situation peaceful there. More than 11,000 FIRs have been registered, with over 500 arrests. Violent incidents are decreasing, allowing for optimism about peace. Schools, colleges, and offices are operational, and exams have been conducted, enabling students to continue their progress," Modi stated.

"The state and Centre are actively engaging with all stakeholders to facilitate peace talks, a departure from past practices. Officials, including the Home Minister and MoS Home, have been on the ground for extended periods. Currently, NDRF teams have been deployed due to flood situations. We must rise above politics to secure peace in Manipur," he added.

Modi cautioned against provocations in Manipur, urging unity to overcome historical conflicts. "Manipur has endured challenges in the past, with recurring episodes requiring introspection. We must learn from history and strive for enduring peace," he emphasized.

The Rajya Sabha concluded its session on Wednesday after adopting the motion of thanks on the President's address, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response to the debate.