Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Budget session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024.
Credit: PTI Photo
New Delhi: In a valedictory address to mark the end of the 17th Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that in his second term, the BJP government has marked its achievements in religion as well as performance.
“These five years were about reform, perform, transform in the country. It is very rare that we see reform, perform, as well as transformation happening before our eyes,” Modi said, laying down the twin planks on which the BJP will now fight the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The prime minister was welcomed into the House with chants of “Jai Shri Ram” by members of the treasury benches.
Modi said that many game-changing reforms took place in the last five years, which will now lay the foundation of a strong India. “During this Lok Sabha term, several decisions for which many generations waited for long were taken — Article 370 was also abrogated during this Lok Sabha’s term, a new Parliament building. I feel that those who drafted the Constitution would bless us for this,” Modi said.
On women's welfare, Modi said that his government abolished triple talaq and brought in the women’s reservation bill. He said that his government has also worked for the transgender community and gave them identity cards.
“When we talk about 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance', I genuinely feel that the government should stay away from the lives of the people as it would only help in strengthening democracy,” Modi said.
He also spoke about India’s G20 presidency, and said that every state of the country displayed India's capability in the global space. He added that his government removed 60 needless laws.
During his speech, Modi also thanked all MPs for donating their salaries during the Covid pandemic. “I want to thank members that during that challenging time, you decided to donate 30 per cent of your salary to help the country. The members used to draw flak about the rates at your canteen. And then we decided to go for the same rates. And you never protested. I want to thank you all for that,” Modi said.
Modi also thanked Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for his “ever smiling” demeanour and said that under his watch the productivity of the house increased. “Your skill and the members' awareness led to nearly 90 per cent productivity of the 17th Lok Sabha. In the first session, both Houses passed 30 bills,” Modi said.