'Some minds' are still stuck in 2014, says PM Modi in Lok Sabha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday replied in the Lok Sabha to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address, hitting out at the Opposition and speaking on India's Covid-19 progress.

"We are firm believers in democracy. And we also believe that criticism is an essential part of democracy. But, blind opposition to everything is never the way ahead," Modi said while replying to the debate on the president's address to the joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Modi told the Congress that, "After losing so many elections there is no change in your 'Ahankaar' (ego).


"You can oppose me, but why are you (Congress) opposing the Fit India Movement and other schemes? No wonder you were voted out in many states years ago... I think you have made up your mind not to come to power for the next 100 years," said the Prime Minister in Lok Sabha.


He added that now that the Congress has made up their mind, then 'Maine bhi tyaari kar li hai'.

"Today poor people of the country are getting a gas and connection, house and toilets. They have their own bank account. But unfortunately, some people's (opposition) minds are still stuck in 2014."

He said the Congress crossed all limits in this time of COVID-19.

The PM said that during the first wave of Covid-19, the Congress gave free train tickets to migrant workers to leave Mumbai, while the Delhi govt told migrant workers to leave the city and provided them buses.

"As a result, Covid spread rapidly in Punjab, UP and Uttarakhand," he explained.

"Nagaland voted for Congress 24 years ago, Odisha voted for you 27 years ago," he continued. "You won with full majority in Goa 28 years ago. In 1988, Tripura voted for Congress. West Bengal voted for Congress in 1972. You take credit for creation of Telangana, but the public did not accept you."

Modi also spoke on the developing Covid-19 situation, saying there is now a 'new world order' post the pandemic. "We are being recognized as a leader. India must take the global leadership role."

He added that 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' is the perfect time to think about how India can play the global leadership role in coming years.

"It is true that India has made several developmental strides in the last few years," said Modi.

The PM also paid his tribute to singing legend Lata Mangeshkar, saying she 'moved an entire nation' and brought it together.

(With inputs from Agencies)