During his speech on the motion of thanks to the President’s address to Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress party. During his speech in the Rajya Sabha, Modi said Gandhi too wanted Congress to be disbanded after Independence. “Aapko Gandhi Ji wala Bharat chahaiye, mujhe bhi Gandhi Ji wala Bharat chahiye. Gandhi Ji ne kaha tha ab aazaadi mil gayi, ab Congress ki zaroorat nahi hai (You want Gandhi’s India, I also want Gandhi’s India. Gandhi said now that we have achieved Independence, there is no need for Congress),” said Modi to applause form his partymen. Taking on the critics for calling his government a name-changer not game-changer, Modi said we are ‘aim-changer’ and committed to bring change.

Stay tuned as Aakarshuk Sarna brings you live updates:17:10 (IST)Defending the idea of once nation, one poll, the PM says that around Rs 1,000 crore were spent on the general election in 2009. This increased to Rs 4,000 crore in 2014 and another Rs 3,000 crore have been spent on holding assembly polls in several states since 2014, he says. Apart from this, a large number of forces remain occupied with providing security for elections amid new challenges. So, he urges parliamentarians to rise above party politics and have a constructive discussion on holding simultaneous Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections in the various states.

17:00 (IST)Rahul Gandhi returns fire##

Congress President Rahul Gandhi has been quick to take a jibe at the PM through a tweet, saying that although he is giving a long speech, he remained silent on matters of importance to the nation and tried to cover up the failures of his government. Gandhi also raised the question of Rafale jet deal again and asked when the PM will break his silence on the issue.

16:55 (IST)PM Modi: Look at what all you mocked – Swachh Bharat, Make in India, surgical strikes, Yoga Day. You are free to mock as you please but why are you blocking the bill for OBC Commission? Why are you blocking Triple Talaq Bill. Are you not sensitive to the aspirations of OBCs?

16:51 (IST)PM Modi: If you feel so strongly about bringing changes to Triple Talaq Bill, then you should have brought the law yourself, when you were in power for so many years: Keep women empowerment above politics.

16:50 (IST)PM Modi to Congress: Your vision is bleak and your work was incomplete. Who stopped you from taking decision on triple talaq? The issue was pending with you for over 30 years, but you did not act. But when we abolished the practice and brought a law to send the culprits to jail, you have a problem. You sent Hindu men to jail for marrying twice, but you have a problem sending a Muslim man to jail.

16:44 (IST)PM Modi asks why the Congress keeps attacking the government for national achievements. Why can’t we work together to empower farmers and boost agriculture, he says, and adds that they should all work towards modernisation in farming. Citing the example of Bamboo, which is not considered a tree anymore, he says that Congress made a law to prohibit cutting of bamboo by classifying it as a tree. The whole world considers bamboo as grass, he says. “We changed the law and today bamboo is even being exported from India and is a source of income for farmers,” the PM says.

16:39 (IST)PM Modi: During Gujarat campaign Sardar Patel was on every Congress poster, I felt glad that after several years we are seeing this day. What took so long to give Bharat Ratna to Sardar Patel and BR Ambedkar?

16:36 (IST)PM: The nation suffered because of this culture (of launching schemes). The schemes & projects were planned 30 to 40 years ago in a hurry. I have cleared them now. This took 9 to 10 lakh crore rupees. You call us name changers and blame us for all failures, but why don’t you take credit for massive unemployment in your tenure?

16:30 (IST)PM: The credit should go to Congress for misleading everyone on One Rank One Pension for army personnel for over 40 years. The credit should go to Congress for starting more than 1,500 railway projects, which never started.

16:28 (IST)Aadhaar seeds laid by Advani: Modi##

Congress keeps saying we brought Aadhaar. Let me remind them about a debate in the Rajya Sabha in 1998 and what LK Advani Ji said. It is in his speech that you will find the genesis of Aadhaar: PM Modi in Rajya Sabha.

16:26 (IST)Saying that Congress always dragged its feet on corruption, the PM starts listing things for which credit should go to Congress. He says that Congress gets credit for doing nothing to check rise of black money. For 28 years, the Congress did not implement a benami law, he says, and adds that it did not form an SIT for three years even after the Supreme Court directed it to.

16:22 (IST)PM Narendra Modi: I have always said that for the nation’s development so far, all the previous govt’s have made a contribution. But while we always kept the nation first, the Congress always wants credit first. Like kids, you always want to bat first…. When you don’t get it, you sulk. He cites the example of GST, for which Congress claims credit. It was our government which managed to implement it, he says.

16:19 (IST)PM Modi: You said we are name changers and not game changers but if you notice our mode of operation and working pattern you will realise we are aim changers. We plan our action, set the road map so that we take the nation on the path to development.

16:15 (IST)The PM says that being in power for more than 50 years has made it cut off from the ground realities. Accusing the Congress of not wanting to be a part of the ‘New India’, he says that (Congress) people sitting here “need that India where there is emergency… you need that India where there is tandoor case… you want the India where Sikhs are killed… you need that India where Bhopal gas tragedy accused are set free.”

16:15 (IST)The PM says that being in power for more than 50 years has made it cut off from the ground realities. Accusing the Congress of not wanting to be a part of the ‘New India’, he says that (Congress) people sitting here “need that India where there was emergency… you need that India where there was tandoor case.”

16:12 (IST)The PM, continuing his attack on the Congress, says that even he wants the India that Mahatma Gandhi envisioned. “Gandhi also said there was no need of Congress after Independence. Congress mukt bharat is not my idea, it’s Gandhi’s idea.”

16:09 (IST)The Prime Minister, in an oblique reference to the jibes made at him by Congress leaders in the past, says that the opposition parties have the right to criticize the government and Modi, but that criticism often becomes criticism of the country. “This is not right,” he says.

16:06 (IST)Exhorting all politicians to rise above party lines, the PM says that suggestions should keep coming. People should contribute. It’s about the people of my country,” he says.

16:04 (IST)Prime Minister Narendra Modi is delivering a motion of thanks for the President’s address in Rajya Sabha. After attacking the Congress in Lok Sabha earlier in the day, he makes a pitch for 2019 and says that a lot needs to be done in the health sector.  “Ayushmaan Bharat Yojna is not for one party. It’s for the nation… I want all parties to come together and discuss the programme… I am ready to listen,” says the PM as he calls for building consensus on the health protection scheme.

15:28 (IST)Expert view: Anjali Verma, Economist, Phillipcapital India, Mumbai: “The policy decision is in line with our expectation along with the hawkishness that is built into the statement. While we retain status quo from RBI for FY19, a risk to our call may come from higher inflation.” (courtesy: Reuters)

15:27 (IST)RBI policy highlights##

15:25 (IST)There are five taxes on capital which will have an impact on investments… Significant deviations from fiscal stance would make matters more challenging for RBI, says RBI Governor Urjit Patel

15:23 (IST)Expert view as RBI keeps repo rate on hold, stance as ‘neutral’: Radhika Rao, Group Economist, DBS, Singapore “The central bank’s stance was largely along expected lines, reflected in a relatively muted response in the bond and equity markets. The stance is tilted slightly towards hawkish, with headline inflation seen above target in FY19.” “They remain optimistic on growth, expecting FY19 to head back toward 7 percent. The guidance is likely to remain data-dependent, with a shift to tighten rates requiring further evidence in a build-up in inflationary pressures.” (courtesy: Reuters)

15:22 (IST)Expert view as RBI keeps repo rate on hold, stance as ‘neutral’ :   Aditi Nayar, Principal Economist, ICRA Limited, Gurugram: “As anticipated, the last planned review for  FY2018 saw the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) leaving the repo rate unchanged at 6 percent. Moreover, it retained the neutral stance of monetary policy and reiterated its commitment toward achieving the medium-term inflation target of 4 percent.” “Despite the upward revision in the inflation forecast and concerns highlighted regarding growing inflation risks amid the crystallization of the fiscal slippage, the tone of the policy was not as hawkish as expected, given the comment that the nascent recovery needs to be carefully nurtured.”(courtesy: Reuters)

15:14 (IST)RBI said in its 6th bi-monthly policy statement today. The decision of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is consistent with the neutral stance of monetary policy in consonance with the objective of achieving the medium-term target for consumer price index (CPI) inflation of 4 per cent within a band of +/- 2 per cent, while supporting growth, the RBI statement said.

15:13 (IST)Meanwhile, the RBI has kept the key repo rate, at which it lends to banks, unchanged at 6 per cent. “Domestic pump prices of petrol and diesel rose sharply in January, reflecting lagged pass-through of the past increases in international crude oil prices. Considering these factors, inflation is now estimated at 5.1 per cent in the fourth quarter, including the HRA (house rent allowance) impact,” the RBI said in its 6th bi-monthly policy statement today.

15:12 (IST)With a view to promoting a less cash economy, the incentive schemes have been reviewed and it has been decided to discontinue going forward the incentives for installation of Cash Recycler Machines (CRMs) and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), said RBI in the statement.

15:09 (IST)Indian shares and the rupee rose on Wednesday while bond yields fell after the Reserve Bank of India took a cautious tone on growth and inflation in its monetary policy statement. The 10-year benchmark bond yield fell to 7.54 percent from about 7.60 percent before the statement. It had ended at 7.57 percent on Tuesday. The rupee rose briefly before trimming gains and was trading at 64.13 to the dollar. It had ended at 64.25 on Tuesday. The broader NSE Nifty rose briefly after the policy announcement and was little changed by 0920 GMT. As expected, the RBI kept its main repo rate steady at 6.00 percent for a third straight policy meeting and retained its “neutral” stance, seeking to support a slowing economy even as inflation has accelerated to a 17-month high.

15:06 (IST)Data suggests there is some stress in MSMEs after Goods and Service Tax…GST transition made it difficult for MSMEs to meet repayment obligations… GST-registered MSMEs, banks given a 180-day NPA recognition cycle, says RBI governor Urjit Patel

15:05 (IST)GST transition made it difficult for MSMEs to meet repayment obligations… GST-registered MSMEs, banks given a 180-day NPA recognition cycle, says RBI governor Urjit Patel

15:04 (IST)Inflation expected to rise##

Inflation is expected to accelerate further after the government’s budget last week widened its fiscal deficit target for the fiscal year starting in April to help finance a sharp increase in spending on rural areas and health-care. “There is … need for vigilance around the evolving inflation scenario in the coming months,” the RBI said in its statement. The benchmark 10-year bond yield fell 3 basis points from levels before the decision, while the rupee was trading at 64.15 per dollar, slightly stronger. The broader NSE share index was marginally higher.

15:03 (IST)RBI in a statement after the meet said, “The MPC notes that the economy is on a recovery path, including early signs of a revival of investment activity. Global demand is improving, which should help strengthen domestic investment activity. The focus of the Union Budget on the rural and infrastructure sectors is also a welcome development as it would support rural incomes and investment, and in turn, provide a further push to aggregate demand and economic activity.” Pointing at the downsides, RBI said, “Deterioration in public finances risks crowding out of private financing and investment. The Committee is of the view that the nascent recovery needs to be carefully nurtured and growth put on a sustainably higher path through conducive and stable macro-financial management.”

15:02 (IST)Dr. Chetan Ghate, Dr. Pami Dua, Dr. Ravindra H. Dholakia, Dr. Viral V. Acharya and Dr. Urjit R. Patel voted in favour of the monetary policy decision. Dr. Michael Debabrata Patra voted for an increase in the policy rate of 25 basis points. The next meeting of the MPC is scheduled on April 4 and 5, 2018.

14:49 (IST)RBI attributes volatility in financial markets to uncertainty over the pace of normalisation of the US Fed monetary policy…RBI says GST stabilizing, economic activity picking up and early signs of investment revival

14:47 (IST)MPC says the staggered impact of HRA increases by various state governments may push up headline inflation further over the baseline in 2018-19, and potentially induce second-round effects.

14:46 (IST)The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), headed by RBI Governor Urjit Patel had last reduced the benchmark lending rate by 0.25 percentage points to 6 per cent last August, bringing it to a 6-year low. In its December review, the MPC had kept the benchmark interest rate unchanged on concerns of a possible price rise but had left the door ajar for a rate cut in future.

14:46 (IST)MPC committed to Consumer Price Index close to 4% on durable basis…RBI says Early signs of investment activity revival being seen in loan offtake… RBI says to implement currency management panel’s suggestions in nine months

14:44 (IST)January-March Consumer Price Index (CPI) seen at 5.1%, including home rent allowance impact…Monitory Policy Committee notes Consumer Price Index outlook clouded with uncertainty on the upside…MPC notes fiscal slippage can have macro-financial implications…MPC says need for vigilance on evolving CPI in coming months

14:42 (IST)The Reserve Bank of India today kept its main repo rate at 6.00 percent for a third straight policy meeting and retained its “neutral” stance, seeking to support a slowing economy even as inflation has accelerated to a 17-month high. All but two of 60 economists in a Reuters poll predicted the repo rate would be kept at the lowest level since November 2010. The reverse repo rate was held at 5.75 percent. Five members of the monetary policy committee voted to keep rates unchanged, with one member, Michael Patra, voting for a 25 basis points hike.

14:40 (IST)Reserve Bank of India eases NPA recognition norm for GST-registered MSMEs…RBI says to sync base rate, MCLR from April 1 for Benchmark Rate…RBI says liquidity in system steadily moving towards neutrality

14:39 (IST)Reserve Bank of India eases NPA recognition norm for GST-registered MSMEs

14:38 (IST)Reserve Bank of India keeps  MSF & Bank Rate unchanged at 6.25%

14:36 (IST)Reserve Bank of India sees October 2018-March 2019 CPI Inflation at 4.5-4.6% with an upside risk

14:35 (IST)Reserve Bank of India cuts FY18 Gross Value Added (GVA) Growth forecast to 6.6% from 6.7%

14:33 (IST)Repo rates unchanged##

Monitory policy committee keeps repo rates unchanged. Repo rates at 6 percent, reverse repo at 5.75 percent.

14:25 (IST)The Economic Survey expects real GDP growth to reach 6.75 percent in FY18, higher than the CSO’s forecast of 6.5 percent, implying that growth in the second half would rebound to 7.5 percent.

14:24 (IST)But questions remain about how soon the RBI can tighten, given the economy is expected to grow only 6.7 percent in the current fiscal year — the slowest pace in about three years. The RBI’s policy stance is currently “neutral”. “New inflation risks are emerging post-budget, so it will have to sound hawkish — but not overly so,” BNP Paribas told clients on Tuesday, adding it expects two 25-bps rate hikes in 2018’s second half. The RBI has held the repo at 6 percent since a 25 bps cut in August, having taken advantage of a period of extraordinary low inflation to cut rates by 200 bps since early 2015.

14:21 (IST)The Reuters poll showed 14 out of 35 analysts believe the RBI will hike rates by the end of 2018, up from 7 out of 27 in December. In the poll of 60 economists, taken after the budget announcement, 58 said the RBI would keep key rates unchanged – the repo at 6.00 percent and the reverse repo at 5.75 percent – when it meets on Wednesday. The other two forecast an increase. More than 60 percent of poll respondents who answered an extra question on the central bank’s tone on Wednesday – 29 out of 46 – said it would be more hawkish. Another 15 expected the RBI would keep a neutral bias and two anticipated a dovish tone.

14:21 (IST)But more analysts now believe tightening looms down the road after surging oil and food prices led India’s consumer inflation to a 17-month high of 5.21 percent in December — well above the RBI’s 4 percent target. Inflation is expected to accelerate after the government’s budget last week widened its fiscal deficit target for the fiscal year starting in April to help finance a sharp increase in spending in the rural areas and on healthcare. Bond investors are already pricing in rate hikes, with benchmark 10-year bond yields rising over 80 basis points since July, the biggest move since the 2013 rupee crisis.

14:18 (IST)The Reserve Bank of India, meeting amid a global market storm, is widely expected to keep its key rate on hold today, but toughen its rhetoric as inflation has accelerated sharply, making an increasing number of analysts see a hike this year. A Reuters poll showed 58 of 60 economists expect the repo rate to be kept at 6 percent, the lowest since November 2010, and the reverse repo rate at 5.75 percent. The other two predicted a 25 basis points hike.

14:17 (IST)Moving on from politics to the world of business. The Reserve Bank of India will hold its monetary policy review shortly and is expected to keep interest rates unchanged. The meeting, the first after the presentation of Union Budget and Tuesday’s bloodbath in global stocks, is keenly watched as it decides whether bank loans get cheaper of costlier.

14:17 (IST)PM might be a terrific orator but this speech is a farrago of misrepresentations and half-truth: Shashi Tharoor on PM’s Lok Sabha speech

14:16 (IST)Rahul on PM’s speech## He spoke for more than 1 hour but didn’t speak a word on Rafale deal, or on farmers or on employment for youth. It was a totally political speech…I think Modiji has forgotten that he is the PM now, he should answer questions and not always accuse the opposition: Rahul Gandhi on PM’s speech in Lok Sabha14:06 (IST)Prime Minister Narendra Modi didnt answer to a single question we asked. We asked him three questions: Andra Pradesh issue, Rafael deal and jobs,  says Rahul Gandhi…

14:03 (IST)Nothing new in what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said… People are interested to know about the questions,  Sonia Gandhi on PM’s speech

13:57 (IST)There should be an enquiry into RSTV’s action…This has become BJP TV, says Ghulam Nabi Azad

13:50 (IST)Prime Minister Narendra Modi concludes his motion on thanks speech in Lok Sabha. Later in the evening, PM Modi will address  the Rajya Sabha .

13:47 (IST)We have to create a new India. Let us work together to fulfill the dreams of the people… Hails ASEAN leaders presence during Republic Day: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:42 (IST)The nation’s army was fighting in Doklam but leaders of one party preferred to meet Chinese officials. The same party questions the army on surgical strikes: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:42 (IST)Nowadays hit and run politics is going on… Opposition is splashing the mud and running away… The more you splash the mud the better lotus will bloom: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:37 (IST)By reducing tax rate for MSMEs with a turnover of up to Rs. 250 crore from 30% to 25%, we have done a great service to the middle class: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:36 (IST)
I have to tell the entire nation about the NPA mess our previous Government created: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:35 (IST)The workings of our previous Government are responsible for the NPA mess. They are 100% responsible and nobody else. The banking policies of the previous Governments were not proper. Middlemen were happy, the country was suffering: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:33 (IST)Opposition continues to raise slogans as PM Modi speaks in Lok Sabha…

13:32 (IST)Lies being spread to create a sense of disappointment among middle class; govt has given them new benefits of 12,000 cr:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:30 (IST)I know the Government’s efforts to eliminate corruption & black money are hurting a select group of people. Today, people who served as Chief Ministers are in jail. However powerful one was, if one has been corrupt, that person will be punished. We are in an era of honesty: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:29 (IST)There are attempts to mislead middle class with lies and rumours but the middle class is aspirational and discerning. They can feel the consistent improvement in their ‘ease of living’ under our government: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:26 (IST)India’s middle class desires good education facilities, affordable housing, good infrastructure. They want ‘Ease of Living’ which we are committed to providing: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:23 (IST)When I dream of a ‘New India’ by 2022 and India will celebrate 75 years of Independence, you (Congress) mock this idea because you have never thought big to achieve big goals”: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:22 (IST)PM on farmers##

Our aim is to double farmers income by 2022. We are moving toward holistic healthcare and eco-friendly living: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:18 (IST)PM on saving electricity bill##

We distributed 28 crores led bulbs to middle-class families which saved their electricity bill by Rs 15,000 crore: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:14 (IST)A government that talked about 21st century could not bring an aviation policy. Then what kind of a 21st century did they talk about, the one with bullock carts?: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:12 (IST)When the corrupt and middlemen are out of work, obviously the Congress will be unhappy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:09 (IST)The governments of West Bengal, Karnataka, Odisha and Kerala where BJP or NDA is not in power have claimed with data that they have given 1 crore jobs in the last 3-4 years. Will you dispute their claims too? “Job creators, not seekers’ 10 crore loans sanctioned under PM Mudra Yojana” : Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:09 (IST)PM on Aadhaar##
When our Government took office in 2014, the chorus from the opposition was – Modi will scrap Aadhaar but when we made Aadhaar more effective in terms of enabling better and effective service delivery, suddenly the opposition began opposing Aadhaar…When we improved upon an ill-conceived idea of Aadhaar using science and technology to empower the poor, you are raising unfounded doubts with its implementation…The only people who are adversely affected by Aadhaar are dishonet, corrupt and middlemen. This is the real reason why it is being opposed: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:08 (IST)In one year, more than 70 lakh provident fund accounts have been added: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:07 (IST)Our government had the opportunity to prepare an aviation policy that focuses on smaller cities, towns so that more Indians can fly: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:06 (IST)Employment is increasing but you had closed your eyes as you are busy singing your songs. Atal ji has said ‘chhote Mann se koi bada nahihota aur toote Mann se koi khada nahi hota: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:05 (IST)Your (Congress) mindset that only a family can do all good things has made you sit where you are sitting in the Parliament today: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:04 (IST)I can see the energy and enthusiasm in our youth. They want to do something on their own, they want to launch their own start-ups. Our Government is giving wings to the aspirations of India’s middle class: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech.

13:03 (IST)Congress was never connected to ground, never worked at ground level and it shows clearly as we look at your situation today: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech. Prime Minister Narendra Modi asks Opposition to accept the truth

12:56 (IST)The way people of Rajasthan were misled about the Barmer refinery was appalling. Just for votes, lies were said. It is in the last three years that the Government of India and the Rajasthan Government worked together to sort out the pending issues: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech

12:55 (IST)The approvals by then BS Yeddyurappa-led BJP Government in Karnataka made it possible to work quickly on the rail line. We do not bother who is the local MP or MLA, which party they belong to. We serve the nation and care for 125 crore Indians:Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech

12:54 (IST)PM attacks Kharge##

Since Kharge Ji spoke about railways and Karnataka, let me tell the truth about the Bidar-Kalburgi rail line. The project was approved by the Vajpayee Government and from 2004 till 2013 nothing was done. It is when a Government under BS Yeddyurappa gave approvals work could begin: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech

12:52 (IST)Opposition continues to create ruckus in Lok Sabha as Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues with speech in Lok Sabha. PM Modi said Opposition will fail to stop me from addressing the Lok Sabha. “They are trying hard to suppress me but they will fail”

12:49 (IST)Every Indian is paying the price of the poison infested by Congress:: PM Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech

12:48 (IST)You (Congress party) has misused Article 356 for more than 90 times to uproot democratically elected governments in the states. Still, you have the audacity to speak for democracy!”: PM Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks giving speech

12:47 (IST)More villages are getting optical fibre network in the last three years than they got previously. This is the transformation happening: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech

12:47 (IST)PM questions Rahul’s elevation##

In December, did we witness an ‘election’ or coronation for the post of Congress President?: PM Modi talks about Rahul Gandhi’s elevation as Congress Party President. “Was the process of electing Congress party President democratic or coronation? ” asks PM Modi.

12:43 (IST)The NDA Government has changed the work culture in the nation. Projects are not only thought about well but also executed in a timely manner… The NDA government is building more roads than the previous one. We have given a strong boost to the infrastructure sector across the nation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech

12:42 (IST)PM attacks Cong on Kashmir partition##

PM Narendra Modi ups the ante, says that if Sardar Patel had been India’s first leader, Jammu and Kashmir wouldn’t be “divided” today. “If Sardar Patel was made the first Prime Minister of India as he was democratically elected by Congress working committees, a part of our Kashmir would not have been occupied by Pakistan.” Prime Minister Modi said ruckus created by the Opposition won’t be able to suppress my speech in Lok Sabha.

12:41 (IST)We cannot forget how the Congress insulted Shri Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, a proud son of Andhra Pradesh. They humiliated him. Nobody in India needs lessons on democracy from the Congress Party: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in LoK Sabha during motion of thanks speech

12:40 (IST)How did the Congress act in Kerala, how did they treat the Akal  Dal in Punjab, how did they behave in Tamil Nadu? Why did Congress dismiss so many state governments at their will? This is no commitment to democracy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks, speech.

12:38 (IST)When Rajiv Gandhi landed in Hyderabad, how did he behave with a Congress leader Mr. T Anjaiah. He humiliated a big leader, who did not belong to a privileged background: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech. “The Congress has no right to talk about democracy. Remember when Shri Rajiv Gandhi touched down at Hyderabad airport and insulted a Dalit CM,” says PM Modi, referring to the infamous incident where Gandhi is said to have yelled at Tantuguri Anjaiah before a crowd of supporters.

12:36 (IST)India did not get democracy due to Pandit Nehru, as Congress wants us to believe. Please look at our rich history. There are many examples of rich democratic traditions that date back centuries ago. Democracy is integral to this nation and is in our culture: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha during motion of thanks speech

12:33 (IST)Prime Minister continues his attack on the Opposition said How can one of the leaders say India got a democracy due to Pandit Nehru and the Congress Party? Is this their reading of India’s history? What arrogance is this

12:31 (IST)For decades, one party devoted all their energies to serving one family. The interests of the nation were looked over just for the interests of one family: PM Modi

12:29 (IST)Opposition MPs are raising slogans of ‘jumlebaazi band karo’. PM Modi says the Congress keeps reminding people of the “so-called golden era”. “The reality is that in that era the radio, TV and opposition toed your line. There were no PILs, no NGOs. If you had made right and honest policies, this country would have been miles ahead of where it is. It is India’s bad fortune that Congress thinks it was born on August 15, 1947. As though India didn’t exist before that.”

12:27 (IST)Interesting TDP and Congress (egged on by Sonia Gandhi) got into a war of words when TDP MPS , who were in the well of the House, started vacating to allow PM speak. Later, Anant Kumar had to physically take away TDP MPS who got into a verbal duel with Congress led by Jyotiraditya Scindia

12:24 (IST)Opposition continues to raise slogan as Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks in Lok Sabha.

12:21 (IST)‘Cong divided India’##

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accuses Opposition of dividing India and said his party is still paying for it. “I see that whenever we are criticised by select Opposition parties, substance is lacking. They go back to saying- when we were in power….This is the same party that divided India”

12:19 (IST)When we speak about creating new states, we remember the manner in which Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji created Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. He showed how farsighted decision making is done: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha

12:17 (IST)Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanks President for his address. Several members of Parliament expressed their thoughts on various subjects. The address by the Honourable President does not belong to any party. It is about the aspirations of every Indian, PM Modi said.

12:15 (IST)Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks in Lok Sabha as Opposition disrupts House with sloganeering. PM Modi joins the debate on the motion of thanks to the President’s address in the Lok Sabha. PM Modi will speak in the Rajya Sabha later this evening. The discussion started on Monday and the motion is likely to be adopted by the House, where the ruling NDA has a big majority, today, following the prime minister’s reply. The BJP has issued a whip asking its members to be present in the House today and the day after. The government may introduce some important bill on Thursday, sources said.

12:14 (IST)Minutes before PM Modi’s speech in Lok Sabha, Opposition created ruckus in Lok Sabha. Opposition accuses Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan of ganging up against them

12:12 (IST)Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks in Lok Sabha, joins debate on the motion of thanks to the President’s address in the Lok Sabha. PM Modi will speak in the Rajya Sabha later this evening. The discussion started on Monday and the motion is likely to be adopted by the House, where the ruling NDA has a big majority, today, following the prime minister’s reply. The BJP has issued a whip asking its members to be present in the House today and the day after. The government may introduce some important bill on Thursday, sources said.

12:10 (IST)Prime Minister Narendra Modi is present in Lok Sabha, he will join the debate on the motion of thanks to the President’s address in the Lok Sabha. PM Modi will speak in the Rajya Sabha later this evening. The discussion started on Monday and the motion is likely to be adopted by the House, where the ruling NDA has a big majority, today, following the prime minister’s reply. The BJP has issued a whip asking its members to be present in the House today and the day after. The government may introduce some important bill on Thursday, sources said.

12:10 (IST)Ruckus in Lok Sabha over the demand for a special status to Andhra Pradesh.

12:02 (IST)Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected in a short while from now to reply to the debate on the motion of thanks to the president’s address in the Lok Sabha, BJP sources said. The discussion started on Tuesday and the motion is likely to be adopted by the House, where the ruling NDA has a big majority, today, following the prime minister’s reply. The BJP has issued a whip asking its members to be present in the House today and the day after. The government may introduce some important bill on Thursday, sources said.

11:23 (IST)Leader of the Opposition, Ghulam Nabi Azad speaks in Rajya Sabha on the Srinagar hospital attack in which policemen died and a Pakistani militant, Naved, who was being taken for medical treatment managed to escape. “Since last few years, the situation has deteriorated in Jammu and Kashmir. Tuesday’s incident was shocking… If such an incident happened in a hospital then it can happen anywhere… Why was the terrorist taken to a general hospital,  They could have take him to an army hospital,” Azad said.

10:55 (IST)Telugu Desam Party and YSR MP’s stage separate protests in the Parliament over demand of special status to Andhra Pradesh & other issues.

10:31 (IST)Azad gives zero-hour notice##

Leader of the Opposition in the Upper House, Ghulam Nabi Azad gives zero hour notice in Rajya Sabha over deteriorating security situation in Jammu & Kashmir.

10:18 (IST)Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who is also the leader of the House, came out in defence of the Chair and accused the opposition of trying to “manufacture an issue where none existed”, after they boycotted the proceedings claiming that they were not being allowed to speak. “What opposition parties have done in Rajya Sabha is absolutely unprecedented. The Congress and some other parties have tried to manufacture an issue where none existed,” he said. Naidu said in the Rajya Sabha he was committed to allowing all members to raise any issue according to the rules and procedures and “none should have any misgiving about that”. Apparently referring to opposition leaders, he said some members had not properly understood his “concern and anguish” over the functioning of the House. “My intention in doing so is to promote a sense of collective responsibility in minimising or doing away with such forced frequent disruptions. “When members and parties realise that they would ultimately be the losers of such disruptions and adjournments, they would talk to each other and enable better functioning of the house,” he said. Naidu said disruptions “frequently follow a pattern”, and added these were aimed at not allowing the House to function smoothly “come what may”

10:18 (IST)Oppn unites against Centre##

Some frontline opposition parties on Wednesday launched a joint offensive against the chair in Rajya Sabha, alleging their voice was being “muzzled” and boycotting the post-lunch proceedings of the Upper House. Led by the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, NCP, CPI-M, CPI, DMK and AAP leaders met in Parliament House and jointly sent a letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu expressing their concern. “The voice of the opposition is being muzzled outside and we do not want this to happen with the opposition parties inside the House. Which is why we wanted to raise this issue since morning and which is why we have boycotted the House for the whole day,” Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters. Referring to the boycott, Naidu said his intention behind long adjournments was to promote a sense of collective responsibility among members to minimise forced disruptions. He expressed concern over “negative public perception” that was being created by frequent disruptions, which were adversely impacting the image and credibility of the House.

10:08 (IST)Referring to the issue of joblessness, he wanted to know how many BJP MPs would tell their children to sell ‘pakora’ for livelihood. Jai Prakash Yadav (RJD) said the President address was silent on the middle class and the poor. “The government made so many promises but none has been fulfilled. Whether it is job, decisive action against Pakistan so people have stopped dreaming about good days,” Tariq Anwar (NCP) said. Jyotiraditya Scindia of the Congress said the government has failed to rein in China which is encircling India from all front and a weak foreign policy is hurting India’s interest.

10:08 (IST)Raising the issue of farmers, Vinod Kumar Boianapalli (Telangana Rashtra Samithi) wanted to know what steps the government would be undertaking to double the income of farmers. He regretted that the centre did not support the initiatives of Telangana to restore water bodies and sought clarification on the healthcare scheme announced by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his budget speech. Mohammad Salim (CPM) said the President in his address to the joint sitting of Parliament did not talk about the assassination or death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and also made no mention of atrocities on dalits. Observing that not only allies but also the people have lost trust in the NDA government, he said, “you are only selling dreams in the name of healthcare programme.”

10:05 (IST)Stating that the GDP growth during the Congress tenure had reached 9.1 per cent, Kharge said the global rating agencies’ outlook for the growth rate at 7-7.5 per cent looks difficult as there are elections this year. He also said that people are anxious as the prices of both petrol and diesel have gone up.

10:05 (IST)Stating that toilets are necessary, Kharge asked,”if there is no food, will anyone think about the toilet?” Kharge was speaking amid vociferous protests by members of NDA ally Telugu Desam Party and the YSR Congress demanding allocation of funds and projects for Andhra Pradesh. Stating that there was no similarity in the philosophies of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, Kharge sought to know from the Prime Minister the coordination between the two leaders. Kharge also said the government has not even been able to meet the target which it has set for an instruction of toilets. He said that Congress government had brought in Aadhaar for identification, but it is being “misused” in the BJP’s rule. “You want to scare and control everyone,” he said.

10:02 (IST)Attacking Modi for his Pakistan policy, Kharge said the neighbouring country has been killing the jawans and sought to know from the Prime Minister how he planned to deal with the neighbouring country. “Where is the 56 inch chest?… You speak a lot abroad, but in Parliament you don’t,” Kharge said referring to Modi. Kharge said the National Health Protection Scheme announced in the Budget was an “election stunt” and it cannot be implemented with just Rs 2,000 crore outlay. Referring to BJP member Rakesh Singh’s speech in which he had said that in 70 years the Congress party has not done anything, Kharge said the BJP “could not even understand even in four years what we (Congress) did in 55-60 years” which has brought a lot of benefit to the people.

10:01 (IST)According to the Chief Economic Advisor in 2015, the pace of poverty alleviation was highest during the UPA regime between 2005-12, Kharge claimed it was the Congress-led UPA which had implemented major programmes like the Right to Education and Food Security Act. Noting that UPA government had announced Rs 72,000 crore farm loan waiver, Kharge demanded that the Narendra Modi government should also announce such waiver to help farmers. “You waive loans worth Rs 1.10 lakh crore of big people, but not for farmers. We demand that farm loans should be waived,” he said. Kharge said the NDA government has budgeted only Rs 60,000 crore for MNREGA, whereas to provide wages to 4 crores BPL households, at least Rs 90,000 crore would be needed.

09:59 (IST)On Tuesday, the opposition in Lok Sabha came down heavily on the government over its alleged failure to deliver on its promises, with senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge saying its policies were creating hardships for the people. He also accused the BJP of trying to sideline the “good work” done by his party over the last 70 years, saying the ruling BJP could not even understand in the last four years what the Congress has done in the past. Participating in the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, the leader of Congress in Lok Sabha said while demonetisation has led to job losses, high Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate has caused hardship to the people. “When we said that the way GST is being implemented is wrong, they didn’t accept it. Before Gujarat elections, they reduced GST rate on 200 items,” Kharge said.

09:55 (IST)In his reply, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to respond to the opposition attack on his government over a host of issues, including alleged tardy employment generation, the state of economy, agriculture and foreign affairs, among others, and will list its achievements. BJP members in their speech have hailed the government for its work in curbing black money, strengthening the economy and boosting agriculture, claims refuted by opposition lawmakers in their address. The debate on the motion of thanks to President Ram Nath Kovind’s address to the joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament on the opening day of the Budget Session began on Monday. It was initiated by the BJP’s chief whip Rakesh Singh.

09:52 (IST)Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reply today to the debate on the motion of thanks to the president’s address in the Lok Sabha, BJP sources said. The discussion started on Tuesday and the motion is likely to be adopted by the House, where the ruling NDA has a big majority, today, following the prime minister’s reply. The BJP has issued a whip asking its members to be present in the House today and the day after. The government may introduce some important bill on Thursday, sources said.