Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the press ahead of the Budget session of Parliament, made a fervent appeal to all parliamentarians to rise above party politics and work collectively for the country’s future.
In his address, PM Modi urged opposition parties engaging in “negative politics” to shed past bitterness and collaborate for the nation’s progress. “I would like to request all parliamentarians to participate in all discussions in the House, no matter how ideologically opposed they are. Opposite ideologies are not bad, but negative ideologies are. That is when the limit of thoughts comes to an end. The country does not need negativity,” PM Modi stated.
Appeal for Progressive Ideologies
Emphasizing the need for progressive ideologies, the Prime Minister said, “The country needs a progressive ideology that fuels development and takes the country to great heights.” He criticized the opposition for their conduct during the inaugural session of the new NDA government, alleging they attempted to stifle the voice of the government and the Prime Minister. “In the first session after the formation of new government, they stifled the voice of the government that was elected to power by 140 crore people in the country through undemocratic means. For two and a half hours they tried to stifle the voice of the Prime Minister of the country. This does not find any place in the democratic principles of the country. They do not even repent this or are hurt by this,” Modi remarked.
Commitment to the Nation
Calling on MPs to prioritize the country’s interests over party lines, PM Modi stated, “I would like to tell everyone that people have sent us here for the country and not for our respective parties. This Parliament is not for our parties but for the country. This Parliament is not just restricted to Parliamentarians but for 140 crore people.” He emphasized the importance of using the Parliament to fulfill the aspirations of ordinary citizens.
Looking Ahead to a Positive Session
On the auspicious first day of the month of Sawan, PM Modi expressed hope for a positive and constructive session. “Today is the first Monday of Sawan. An important session is starting on this auspicious day. I extend my greetings to the countrymen on the first Monday of Sawan. The monsoon session of Parliament is starting today. Today the whole country is looking at it. This should be a positive session,” he added.
Historical Budget Presentation
Highlighting the significance of the upcoming Budget presentation, Modi said, “…It is a matter of pride that after 60 years, a government has come to power for the third time and will present the first Budget for the third time…I have been giving guarantees to the people of the country and our mission is to bring this to the ground. This Budget is important budget for Amrit Kaal. Today’s budget will decide the direction for the next 5 years of our term. This budget will also become a strong foundation of our dream of ‘Viksit Bharat’.”
Budget Session Schedule
The Budget Session, commencing on Monday, is scheduled to conclude on August 12. The session will have 16 sittings over 22 days. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju mentioned that this session will focus mainly on financial business related to the Union Budget for 2024-25, which will be presented in the Lok Sabha on July 23.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to table the Economic Survey 2023-24 in Parliament on Monday. The Budget for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for 2024 will also be presented on July 23. Various Union Ministers will lay papers on the table in the Lok Sabha on Monday, including Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya who will move a motion for the election of two members to the central building and other construction workers’ advisory committee.
PM Modi concluded by calling for unity and dedication to the nation, encouraging MPs to use the Parliament’s dignified platform to work towards the empowerment of farmers, youth, and the country. “I would like to ask all the parties to rise above party lines and dedicate themselves to the country and use this dignified platform of Parliament for the next 4.5 years. In the election year of January 2029, you can play any game, but till then we should participate for the empowerment of the farmers, youth, and the country,” he stated.