NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the Parliament’s Monsoon Session on Monday with a strong rebuke of the Opposition, accusing them of disrupting previous sessions to hide their failures.
Addressing lawmakers, Modi urged all political parties to unite for the country’s progress over the next five years. In a pointed critique, PM Modi said, “For 2.5 hours, an attempt was made to suppress the voice of the Prime Minister in the last session. The people of the country have sent us for the country and not for the party. This Parliament is for the country, not for the party.”
Highlighting the importance of the session, Modi remarked, “Today is the first Monday of Sawan. An important session is starting on this auspicious day. I extend my greetings to the countrymen. The monsoon session of Parliament is starting today. The whole country is looking at it. This should be a positive session.”
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On Wednesday, in his address to the Rajya Sabha, PM Modi assured strict action regarding the NEET paper leak incident, emphasising that those responsible would not be spared. He accused the Opposition of politicizing the issue, saying, “The President mentioned the paper leak in her speech. I expect the entire house to rise above politics and discuss the issue. Unfortunately, it’s being politicised, which is concerning for the country’s future.”
Modi further stated, “Action is being taken to hold accountable those who jeopardise the future of our youth. We have enacted strict laws and are strengthening the entire system.” He reassured that the government is committed to creating a secure environment for students, allowing them to focus on their studies without the stress of examination malpractices.
The NEET-UG examination has faced allegations of irregularities, including paper leaks, leading to protests and a CBI investigation. The head of the National Testing Agency has been removed, and an expert panel is reviewing the agency for reforms. The Supreme Court is set to hear related pleas on July 8.
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The Opposition has been demanding a detailed discussion on the NEET issue in Parliament, causing multiple disruptions in both houses. The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha urged the Speaker to allocate a day for discussing NEET after the Motion of Thanks debate.
Addressing the nation before the Union Budget presentation, PM Modi underscored the Budget’s significance in setting the direction for the next five years. He stated, “This Budget is an important Budget of the Amrit Kaal. The opportunity of five years that we have, this budget will decide the direction of that journey as well as lay the foundation for fulfilling the dream of Viksit Bharat in 2047.”
Modi highlighted the historical context, noting, “A government has come back to power for the third term after 60 years.” He emphasized the Budget session as a crucial step in the country’s democratic journey, saying, “This Budget session is an important destination in our democracy’s proud journey.”