'Looking at the age of Kharge ji, I urge Chairman, to let him sit': PM Modi takes age jibe at opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge

Prime Minister Modi entered the Rajya Sabha around 5 p.m. on Wednesday to reply to the Motion of Thanks, a day after he was unable to speak in the Lok Sabha due to chaos and Opposition MPs allegedly surrounding his chair.

As he entered the Upper House, members of the treasury benches rose and chanted "Modi-Modi," creating a charged atmosphere. Modi began his speech amid loud sloganeering from Opposition members.

Taking a jibe at Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, the Prime Minister requested the Chair to allow him to raise slogans while seated. "Looking at Kharge ji's age, I urge the Chairman to let him sit and sloganeer so he faces no discomfort. There are young people at the back, so please permit Kharge ji to sloganeer even while sitting," he said.

Highlights of PM Modi's speech 

Highlighting the government's development agenda, Modi stated that recent years marked rapid progress for the country. "In the journey of Viksit Bharat, previous years have been the years of rapid development... The country is moving ahead in the right direction at a fast pace," he added.

"Not one session where I was not abused," said PM Modi in the Rajya Sabha.

"Rahul Gandhi called Ravneet Bittu a 'gaddar' (traitor) because he is a Sikh. Congress hates Sikhs," PM Modi charged in the House.

"Before 2014, there was a prevalent phone banking culture in which politicians would influence loan disbursement. Loans were often granted based on calls rather than proper assessment. The poor were frequently denied access to credit, and nearly 50% of the population did not have bank accounts. On the recommendation of Congress politicians, millions were lent to individuals who never repaid. During the UPA era, this pushed the banking system to the brink of collapse," PM Modi said.

"We have advanced with the guiding principle of 'Reform, Perform, and Transform.' As a result, the country is now on the path of the Reform Express. We have implemented structural, process-related, and policy reforms. Our efforts focus on strengthening the manufacturing sector and supporting entrepreneurs. I can say with confidence that India is now ready to compete on the global stage," he added.

Meanwhile, Opposition MPs staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha as the Prime Minister continued his address.

The Budget Session comprises 30 sittings over 65 days and concludes on April 2. The two Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9.

(With inputs from IANS)