PM Modi slams opposition, says govt wants fruitful discussion on bills

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the opposition for disrupting House proceedings, at the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting on Tuesday, saying its remarks and manner of protest were an insult to Parliament, which should have “meaningful and fruitful” discussions.

Quoting Modi, parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi said after the meeting that the logjam was causing a wastage of people’s money and the government wants healthy discussions on bills. “The prime minister said we have always maintained that we are ready for a discussion, but an effort is on (by the opposition) to create a belief that a bill is only of the government. This is not correct. The intention behind passing bills is to provide ease of living to the poor. By bringing changes in the law, a government intends to bring change in the life of the poor,” Joshi said.

The intent behind any legislation, say for ushering in ease of business, is to create more business and in turn more revenue collection which can be used to help the poor. “To say that a bill is of the government is not true. The bill belongs to the people of India, it is for their welfare. They (opposition) are not ready for a discussion on a bill which is most unfortunate,” the minister said.


Government does not want to rush through bills, Joshi quoted Modi as having said while asking BJP MPs to be patient and show restraint while the opposition protests. Modi expressed anguish at the protests and remarks made by the Opposition. Snatching papers from a minister, tearing and throwing them in the air, and not apologising is arrogance, Modi said in the meeting. He also referred to Trinamool MP Derek O’Brien’s tweet that bills are being passed like “chaat paapri” and said this was an insult to Parliament.

Apart from the attack on the Opposition, the Modi enumerated achievements of his government in July. He spoke about the e-Rupi, saying it will usher in a targeted and purpose-specific benefit to the people. BJP MPs welcomed the government approval to OBC and EWS quota in medical and dental colleges. In his speech, Modi said GST collection in July was ₹1.16 lakh crore. He also hailed the bronze medal won by shuttler PV Sindhu and the performance of the men’s and women’s hockey teams.