Modi says Opposition ran away during no-trust motion, slams TMC's 'terror politics'

PM Modi also held the Trinamool Congress responsible for the bloodshed during the recent rural polls held in West Bengal.

The Opposition MPs were afraid of the voting on no-trust motion in Parliament – as it would have exposed the allegiance of the partners – so they ran away to avoid such a situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed on Saturday. The prime minister also held Trinamool responsible for the bloodshed during the recent rural polls held in West Bengal. His statements drew strong criticism from Trinamool chief and state’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and her party’s senior leaders.

Addressing BJP’s regional delegates, virtually, during the inauguration of “Kshetriya Panchayati Raj Parishad” held in Howrah, next to Kolkata, the prime minister stated: “Two days ago… you saw that in Parliament, we defeated the Opposition’s no-confidence motion, and also gave a befitting reply to the continuous spreading of negativity throughout the country,” he said. He added that the situation was such that the people of the Opposition (MPs) ran away midway, while in a democracy, it’s a responsibility that when you speak the other must listen.

“They left the House. Whatever may have been the excuse, but the truth was that they were afraid of voting on the no-confidence motion. They didn't want the voting to take place. Because, had the voting taken place, this would have exposed the alliance. Who is with whom, this would have got crystal clear. To evade, they ran away,” PM Modi said.

The prime minister said it’s “unfortunate” and alleged that these people (Opposition members) betrayed Manipur’s people. The Union home minister had written letters to these political parties, before the session commenced, that he intended to discuss Manipur immediately, and it’s necessary that Manipur alone be discussed. “The party in power and the Opposition would have had a detailed discussion on such a sensitive topic. This would have definitely offered healing to Manipur’s residents, and newer solutions would have emerged for resolving the problem,” he said.

“These people, however, didn’t want a discussion on Manipur, because they knew that Manipur’s truth would have pricked them the most,” the prime minister said. They had no concern for Manipur’s people. For them, it was politics – party was more significant than the country, and as they didn’t want a discussion on the issue, they skipped it, and by bringing no-confidence motion they prioritised political debate, the prime minister alleged. “Taking up political issues in the House, the colleagues in the Opposition during three days, were trying to score…,” he stated. The prime minister said that the Opposition may put obstacles in the House, but the BJP’s workers and public representatives will have to go to the people, armed with truth.

Extending his gratitude to the BJP’s workers in Bengal, the prime minister said that in the recent panchayat elections, the “bloody game” the Trinamool played, was also witnessed by the nation. He alleged – explaining – that the ruling party obstructs, throughout the poll process, and thereafter. Not only are BJP workers frightened, the voters, and party’s supporters and associates face a tough time too, he alleged.

The prime minister during his address added that for the last 50 years a slogan has been heard – “eliminate poverty”. But those who raised this slogan, never cared for the poor, nor were able to remove poverty. The earlier governments had used mineral resources of the region as a medium of “loot” he said, adding that infrastructure has been worked upon, to connect resources to industrial options.

Mamata Banerjee slams PM’s speech, allegations

The prime minister’s statements have drawn strong reactions from Banerjee, and her party’s leaders. In an audio message, Banerjee alleged that PM Modi is insulting Bengal, instead of offering his message to the people. She reiterated that he is “depriving” the state, appeasing his party’s representatives, blocking the 100-day rural job scheme. Before terming Bengal as violent, he should respond to what’s being done to resolve the Manipur issue, she said. Banerjee questioned the functioning of state governors in a democracy, suggesting that Raj Bhavans be turned into museums. She said that it’s just six months to go, and team-I.N.D.I.A, the alliance, wants the BJP to quit Centre.