Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first address to the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) parliamentary party meeting in the inaugural session of Parliament following his assumption of office for a third term, advised NDA MPs to refrain from emulating the conduct of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister also commented on the restlessness among certain members of the Opposition, attributing it to their inability to comprehend the achievement of consecutive terms by any Prime Minister since Jawaharlal Nehru, a milestone accomplished by a tea-seller.
The NDA meeting was held amidst ongoing discussions in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on the Motion of Thanks to President Droupadi Murmu's address to a joint sitting of Parliament.
Following the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the Prime Minister's message, stating that every MP is elected to serve the nation and that this responsibility supersedes party affiliations. He highlighted the importance of priorizing the country's interests and encouraged MPs to excel in their parliamentary duties.
Additionally, the Prime Minister urged all MPs and their families to visit the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, an initiative devoid of political motives and aimed at showcasing the contributions of all prime ministers for the nation's benefit.
Union Minister and LJP (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan expressed the significance of learning from the Prime Minister's experience, particularly in light of recent breaches of parliamentary decorum. He stated that the Prime Minister's guidance on this matter was invaluable.
Later that day, PM Modi responded to the discussions held in both Houses of Parliament.
Official sources confirmed that all BJP and allied MPs were notified and instructed to attend the meeting. While the Prime Minister had previously addressed NDA MPs on select occasions, primarily when elected as their leader ahead of his three terms, he typically speaks at BJP MPs' meetings during parliamentary sessions.
This meeting assumes significance as the BJP, for the first time since 2014, has lost its majority in the Lok Sabha following the recent polls and relies on its allies for the government's continuation.
On Monday, the Lok Sabha was adjourned until Tuesday morning. While Rahul Gandhi's remarks on Hinduism sparked controversy, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly making divisive speeches during the Lok Sabha elections. Both Houses initiated the debate on the motion of thanks on the President's address, with PM Modi criticizing Rahul Gandhi's statements during his speech. Home Minister Amit Shah subsequently demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi.
The BJP and Congress held separate press conferences, with the BJP condemning Rahul Gandhi's remarks and the Congress criticizing the ruling party's actions.
