Do we want that 'old India' where scams existed, 'tukde-tukde' gang was supported: PM in Rajya Sabha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday replied to the motion of thanks on the President's Address' in the Rajya Sabha. Speaking in the Upper House, Modi said it is after long that a government with full majority won once again with a full majority. In this mandate, we see wish from the people for stability. Infact, this trend of stable governments is being seen in many states as well.

Slamming the Congress party and questions being raised on the electoral process, PM Modi said, "Did India lose in Wayanad? Did India lose in Rae Bareli? Did India lose in Trivandrum, what about Amethi? What kind of argument is this? If Congress loses then does that mean India lost? There is a limit to arrogance. Congress could not win a single seat in 17 states."

"I was saddened when some leaders said the BJP and allies won the elections but the country lost and democracy lost. These statements are really unfortunate. Why should we question the decision of voters?"

PM Modi spoke on EVM issue and questions being raised on the electoral process. The Prime Minister said that there was a time when we (BJP) was limited to 2-4 seats in the Lok Sabha but we never lose faith and confidence in ourselves. We never blamed that due to this or that reason, or booth capture, we lost the election." 

We raised confidence among our cadres, workers, did hard work and finally achieved what we wanted.

But people look for excuses when they don't have confidence in themselves. These people don't want to accept their failure and the fact that they have lost. These are the people who look for excuses like EVMs and others.

PM Modi's reply to the motion of thanks on President's address | Highlights 

• There are 226 districts in the country where there is water crisis. Now I am trying to mobilize everyone to tackle this, how we can give priority to water in MPLAD funds. We also have to make society aware on water issues. A Jal Shakti ministry has also been set up.
• The deaths in Bihar due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome are unfortunate and a matter of shame for us. We have to take this seriously. I am in constant touch with the state government and I am sure we will collectively come out of this crisis soon.
• You take credit for everything, will you not take credit for NRC? Rajiv Gandhi had accepted NRC in the Assam accord. Then Supreme Court had to intervene. Also, SC directed us so we have implemented it. So why are you not taking credit for this?
• I think Azad sahab (Ghulam Nabi Azad) is having blurred vision, maybe he is seeing everything from political spectacles. Ghalib said something for such people 'ta umr Ghalib ye bhool karta raha, dhool chehre pe thi,aaina saaf karta raha'
• The lynching in Jharkhand has pained me. It has saddened others too. But, some here in the Rajya Sabha are calling Jharkhand a hub of lynching. Is this fair? Why are they insulting an entire state. None of us have the right to insult the state of Jharkhand.

• I am sure there is no one in this house who will not like India to be part of the 5 trillion dollar economy club. Please gives us constructive suggestions, we are open to all suggestions, we don't believe only we have all the intellect.
• Now they are slamming New India. Do they want old India back? An old India where cabinet decisions were torn in press meets, old India where Navy was used for personal trips, old India where numerous scams existed, old India which supported 'tukde-tukde' gang?

• The voters now are very very aware, they not only know what is happening in Lok Sabha but also what is happening in Rajya Sabha, and they voted this time keeping these facts in mind. This same attitude is visible when it comes to discussing 'One Nation, One Election.' Yes, some may not like this idea or have views on this. But, it is important to present these ideas and have discussions on this.
• My friends in Congress have not been able to digest victory, they have not been able to accept defeat. This is not a healthy sign in a democracy.
• Election Commission had invited parties on the issue of EVMs but just two parties accepted — CPI and NCP. I appreciate them for going to EC to learn more about the issue. But, why did the rest of the parties questioning the EVMs not even bother to go, they should answer?
• There have been so many elections with EVMs and parties that are present in the Rajya Sabha have got opportunities to govern in different states after elections were held through EVMs. Then, why question EVMs today?
• We should appreciate how our electoral processes have improved over the years. In 1950s polling process took a long time to complete. Violence and booth capturing were common in some places. Now, news is about rising voter turnout. This is a healthy signal.

• Some people kept raising the EVM issue in this House. I want to tell them there was a time when we had just 2 MPs in Parliament. People made fun of us. But, we worked harder and won trust of people. We did not make excuses and blame polling booth.
• By saying farmers sold themselves just because of Rs 2,000 scheme is an insult to farmers. I am shocked, even media was abused, it was said elections were won because of the media. What do such ppl mean? That media is on sale? Does same logic apply to Tamil Nadu and Kerala?