The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today replied to the motion of thanks on the President’s address, in Rajya Sabha.He thanked the members of the Upper House for participating and contributing towards the debate. He also paid tributes to the late Rajya Sabha MP Shri Madanlal Saini.
The Prime Minister said that the mandate of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections showcases the desire of the citizens for stability. He added that the trend of electing stable governments is now being seen in various States.
Appreciating the electoral process during the recent Lok Sabha elections, PM said that the scale of the entire process has been immense. He termed the statement of some of the leaders stating ‘democracy has lost’ as unfortunate. He asked theMembersnot toquestion the wisdom of voters.“It is important to respect our electoral process and democracy”, PM added.
The Prime Minister criticized the questions raised on electronic voting machines (EVM). He said that EVMs have brought down the instances of booth capturing and violence. “Now, the news is about rising turnout. This is a healthy sign for democracy”, PM said. He noted that VVPATs have only strengthened the credibility of electronic voting machines.
Talking about election reforms, PM said reforms are absolutely necessary for strengtheningthe electoral process in India. In this context, he mentioned that it is important to discuss and give inputs on electoral reform proposals like ‘One Nation One Poll’.
The Prime Minister said that the Union Government has strived towards simplifying processes, which can benefit the people of India. He said the government believes in the empowerment of common people. He highlighted the government’s work towards ensuring house, electricity, gas connection, toilet etc. for the citizens of the country.
Shri Modi urged everyone to work towards making India afive trillion dollar economy. He askedall political parties to work with a positive mindset and give suggestions and ideas for attaining this goal.
PM said that he was deeply saddened by the recent incident in Jharkhand. He said that the culprits should get the adequate punishment as per laws of the country. He said it isnot right to defame an entire State,for an incident. He said that perpetrators of violence should be dealt with sternly, and all such incidents should be treated as per law, in the same manner, regardless of the State in which they occur.
The Prime Minister said that the need of the hour is to strengthen Ayushman Bharat. “We want our poor to get top quality and affordable treatment”, PM added
The Prime Minister said that there has been a strong focus on the development ofNorth Eastern States as well as aspirational districts.
On Cooperative federalism, PM said that it is important to have ‘national ambition with regional aspirations’.
The Prime Minister urged the citizens to do whatever they can, to make the nation better and stronger. He asked everyone to work together towards taking India to new heights and creating a New India.
PM @narendramodi begins his speech in the Rajya Sabha by paying tributes to Late Shri Madanlal Saini Ji.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 26, 2019
The Prime Minister also prays for the good health and quick recovery of Shri @arunjaitley Ji.
It is after a long time that a Government with a full majority was elected once again with a full majority.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 26, 2019
In this mandate we see the desire of the people for stability. Infact, this trend of stable governments is being seen in various states too: PM @narendramodi
I was saddened when some leaders said- the BJP and allies won the elections but the nation lost, democracy lost.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 26, 2019
I want to clearly say that such statements are unfortunate.
Why question the wisdom of voters: PM @narendramodi
Do our friends in the Congress Party feel if they do not win, India does not win?
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 26, 2019
Are India and the Congress Party the same thing? No, they are not.
Important to respect our electoral process and democracy: PM @narendramodi
The world must know more about our electoral processes. The scale is immense: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 26, 2019
Some people kept talking about the EVM issue in this House.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 26, 2019
I want to tell them- there was a time when we were 2 MPs in the Parliament. People mocked us. But, we worked harder and won the trust of people. We did not make excuses and blame the polling booth: PM @narendramodi
Let us appreciate how our electoral processes have improved.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 26, 2019
In the 1950s the polling process took so much time.
Violence and booth capturing were common in some places.
Now, the news is about rising turnout. This is a healthy sign: PM @narendramodi
There have been so many polls with EVMs and parties that are represented in the Rajya Sabha have got opportunities to govern in some state or the other after elections conducted through EVMs. Then, why question EVMs today: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 26, 2019
The Election Commission invited parties on the issue of EVMs and only two parties went- CPI and NCP. I appreciate them for going to the EC to learn more about the issue. But, why did the rest of the parties questioning the EVMs not even go, they should answer: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 26, 2019
My friends in the Congress:
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 26, 2019
They have not been able to digest victory.
They have not been able to accept defat.
I do not consider this to be a healthy sign in a democracy: PM @narendramodi
We are seeing this same attitude when it comes to discussing 'One Nation, One Election.'
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 26, 2019
Yes, people may not like the idea or have inputs on this. But, it is important to present these ideas and have discussions on the subject: PM @narendramodi
Those opposing EVMs are not only opposed to EVMs.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 26, 2019
They have problems with technology, digital transactions, Aadhaar, GST, Bhim App.
Why such negativity? This negativity was one of the chief reasons why some parties have not been able to win people's trust: PM @narendramodi
We worked towards simplifying processes, which can benefit the people of India: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 26, 2019
The lynching in Jharkhand has pained me. It has saddened others too.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 26, 2019
But, some people in the Rajya Sabha are calling Jharkhand a hub of lynching. Is this fair? Why are they insulting a state.
None of us have the right to insult the state of Jharkhand: PM @narendramodi
The need of the hour is to strengthen Ayushman Bharat.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 26, 2019
We want our poor to get top quality and affordable treatment: PM @narendramodi