PM Modi speech full of theatrics: CPI(M) says the monologue 'lacked substance'

Dubbing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Parliament as "theatrical", CPI(M) leader Mohd Salim today said that it lacked "substance".

He also expressed disappointment over the first half of the Budget Session and held the government responsible for curtailment of the crucial session.

"He only talked about history. He never addressed the problems faced by the people. It was theatrical, but had no substance. It was the same old speech accusing others", Salim told reporters here.

"Hardly any issue was discussed. The voice of the opposition was not heard. We could see that not even their allies were allowed to speak. It is very unfortunate," he said.

The Left leader also felt that the allies of the BJP had taken the space of the opposition and it should resolve the issues raised by members of the NDA.

Earlier, Congress President Rahul Gandhi asked PM Modi to stop behaving like an opposition leader and instead of accusing previous governments, should talk about achievements of his own government.

Rahul's response came immediately after PM Modi's speech in the Lok Sabha on the motion of thanks to the President's Budget address in which he relentlessly attacked the previous Congress governments.

"PM promised that he would not tolerate corruption and now he is shielding those who are involved in the Rafale scam. Why didn't he answer any of the questions raised about his complicity in the deal during his 90-minute address?" Rahul asked.

"This is not an election speech. Before 2014, it was understandable that he talked about 60-years of alleged mismanagement, but now he is in power and not an opposition leader. So, instead of accusing us, he should answer questions that are being asked of him," he added.

PM Modi had on Wednesday in the Lok Sabha said the country has been suffering due to the "wrong" policies the Congress has pursued since independence as the party has spent time singing paeans to one family instead of focussing on people's welfare. Read the highlights from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

In the Upper House, Modi countered Opposition criticism of his government's vision of 'New India' and said the Congress wanted 'Old India', a country envisaged by Mahatma Gandhi.

With PTI Inputs