Parliament Budget Session Day 5 Highlights: PM Modi urges Opposition to introspect and help India’s growth story

After rejecting all amendments, The Upper House adopts Motion of Thanks on Preisdent’s Address. Rajya Sabha will recommence on February 7, 2025 at 11 AM

“Today’s youth should know the difficulties their parents’ went through. Licence permit Raj was Congress’ identity. People had to get licence for serving sugar in weddings, to buy scooter, car. Bribes had to be given to get these licences also. They slowed India’s growth rate and it was termed it Hindu growth rate. What an insult to an entire community,” says PM Modi. 

Stating how India has grown under his government, he termed it as ‘Bharat growth rate’. Urging all members to introspect and not hinder India’s development, PM Modi thanks the President and concludes his speech

“Taking its own inspiration, over 1.5 crore youth are registered under My Bharat programme. This is a platform in which they discuss different issues happening in India. We have focused on sports via TOPS and Khelo India scheme. In all competitive sports, India has made its mark, especially our daughters,” says Mr. Modi. 

Stating the road to developed India from developing nation traverses via infrastructure, PM Modi says, “Budget has focused on accelerating our infrastructure. Congress has only one motto - stall, mislead and delay. In 1972, Sarayu scheme was introduced but was stuck for five decades. We implemented it in 2021. I can give many such examples. During their tenure, Congress delayed our progress”. 

Quoting late PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, PM Modi says, “The Sun will rise, darkness will go away and the Lotus will bloom. The amount of work to alleviate poverty done by our government has not been ever done. We gave opportunity to poor to elevate themselves and now 25 crores have been uplifted from poverty”. 

“We have built 4 crore houses of which 1 crore homes are in cities. The world is noticing our tourism and jobs will increase. All these will help middle-class. Developed India will be built by the middle class and the youth. As the youth grow up, India will develop so that they can reap developed country’s benefits,” says Mr. Modi.

“Taking inspiration of our Constituent Assembly, we are trying to fulfill their wishes. Some people’s politics may be interfering, hence they are questioning why we are bringing UCC,” says PM Modi. 

Recalling India’s first government, he says, “The one who was not even elected did unconstitutional moves putting stop to press freedom. When Pt. Nehru was Prime Minister, a strike occured in Mumbai”. Actor Balraj Sahni and renowned poets Majnu Sultanpuri, Hridaynath Mangeshkar were jailed or boycotted for supporting the strike, says Mr. Modi.

Talking about 1975 Emergency, he recalls how actor Dev Anand’s films were banned from Doordarshan as he refused to support Emergency. Taking a jibe at Opposition’s remarks on ‘handcuffed’ deported Indians, “You handcuffed India’s Opposition leaders during Emergency”.

“Those who were not remembered by anyone, Modi worships them. Poor, backward people are in our government’s priorities. This Budget was aimed at strengthening skilled labourers focusing in toy manufacturing, small traders. For fishermen, we extended KISAN card benefits to them also,” says PM Modi. Export and production of fishes has increased twice, adds Mr. Modi.

“What did they not do to defeat Babasaheb in elections? They did not think he was worthy of a Bharat Ratna. Due to people’s wishes, Congress is now forced to say Jai Bhim,” says PM Modi. 

Commenting on the breaking of INDIA coaltion, he adds, “Their allies also realised that they indulge in cutting off their chances. Hence, they have deserted them. Now look at their condition”.

Quoting Dr. Ambedkar, he says, “Plight of SC/ST communities in agriculture is due to no opportunity to purchase land and financial inability to purchase it”. He claims that Dr. Ambedkar was supporter of skilled training and industrialisation to emancipate Dalit community.

“We have been elected thrice with people’s blessings. India has gotten a new model now - not one of appeasement, but one of satisfaction. Congress used to appease one small group and keep others starved. Only during elections, they will announce schemes, thus cheating people,” says PM Modi. 

He adds that his government uses India’s time also wisely using a saturation approach. “Our governance is based on Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. We have strengthened the SC/ST Act to give justice to adivasis and backward class MPs,” says Mr. Modi.

Replying to the Motion of Thanks to President’s Address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “A party dedicated to one family can never understand Sabka saath Sabka Vikas’. He is speaking in the Upper House

The External Affairs Minister’s address concluded amidst loud continuing protests from members of the Opposition benches. The same continued after the foreign minister had concluded his address. 

Speaker Om Birla, observing the visible disagreement, made an unsuccessful to members from the Opposition benches to return to their seats. This was to initiate discussion on the Union Budget. He argued that members would be able to present their views, and place demands specific to their constituencies during the discussion. Having found no conclusive agreement, Mr. Birla called to adjourn the house for the day. 

Proceedings reconvene in the lower house on Friday, February 7 at 11 a.m. 

The External Affairs Minister concluded his address stating the house would appreciate that the efforts of the government have also been to track down the illegal migration industry. He further apprised the house that based on provided information, law enforcement agencies would initiate necessary action. 

The Foreign Minister further informed the Lok Sabha that the needs of deportees, such as food and medical necessities, have been attended to – both in military and chartered aircrafts. Mr Jaishankar further ensured the house that government has been ensuring the returning deportees are not mistreated in any manner. 

“This is naturally subject to unambiguous verification of their nationality,” Mr Jaishankar explained. 

Mr. Jaishankar further explained to the house illegal movement paves the premise for “associated activities of an illegal nature” and populance is entrapped into inhumane work conditions and other crimes. “Unfortunately, there have been fatalities during the course of such illegal movement,” he stated.

The External Affairs Minister further enumerated that the returning citizens have also testified to their harrowing experiences. 

The External Affairs Minister held that “people to people exchange” constitute the “bedrock” of India’s deepening ties with the United Stated. “More than any other relationship, mobility and migration have had a key role in enhancing the quality of this relationship,” he told the house. 

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to address the house in some time. 

In Rajya Sabha, Union MoS Ramdas Athawale says, “To take country to new heights, one must have mission and vision and Congress has only corruption. When I was with Congress, they never made me minister. PM Modi has always respected Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar”. He ridicules the Opposition for spreading rumours on changing the Constitution adding, “You came together to stop PM Modi, but now you have broken apart”.

Samajwadi MP Jaya Bachchan condemns the mistreatment of Muslim women during Delhi elections, alleging their burqas being lifted for identification. She expressed her sorrow at the lives lost during the Kumbh Mela stampede. Condemning the critique of President Murmu and Congress’ Sonia Gandhi, she concludes her speech quoting her actor husband Amitabh Bachchan, “We do not wish to be famous. If you men identify us as women, that itself is enough”. 

Rajya Sabha is discussing the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, while making a statement on deportation of Indian migrants from the U.S. in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday (February 6, 2025), said that the Centre will take exemplary actions against human traffickers.

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What stopped our government from sending an aircraft to bring our citizens back, Mr. Gokhale asks. “If Colombia can do it, why not us?”

Deportations by the U.S. are organised and executed by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The standard operating procedure for deportation by aircraft used by ICE, effective from 2012, provides for the use of restraints,” Mr. Jaishankar says.

The EAM also adds that women and children were not restrained.

Minister of State Arjun Ram Meghwal informs the House that EAM S. Jaishankar will address the House about the deportation of Indians from US at 3:30 p.m.

The turmoil in the House continues despite the Chair’s pleas for co-operation.

The Minister also shares details of deportation from the U.S. since 2009.

“It is the obligation of all countries to take back their nationals if they are found to be living illegally abroad,” the External Affairs Minister says.

The topic is the deportation of Indians from the U.S.

Former Prime Minister H.D. Devegowda delivers a long speech, with intermittent protests from the Opposition. Mr. Devegowda extensively praises the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Senior Opposition leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Akhilesh Yadav were part of the protests.

In a post on X, Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, questioned the government’s silence on the development.

“Let’s face it, the visuals of flight-full of our fellow Indian citizens being brought back in handcuffs, on a military plane, is a deeply humiliating experience for our country. This mistreatment is not only an insult to them, but also to India,” Mr. Venugopal said.

MPs raise specific questions on the issue of the deportation of Indians from the U.S., but Deputy Chairman asks members to stick to the topic.

MP Fauzia Khan asks EAM Jaishankar to clarify the government’s stand on U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement to “occupy” Gaza strip. EAM responds by saying the question is not related to the topic of discussion.

Amid continuing protests, with Opposition members gathering in the well of the House, the Chair adjourns proceedings in the Lok Sabha till 2 p.m. 

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says that EAM Jaishankar will make the statement at 2 p.m.

Chairman Dhankhar says that he will briefly allow MPs to intervene.

BJP MP Sudheer Gupta asks a question about the quality of water under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Speaker Om Birla requests silence in the House as members continue protesting, saying that the matter pertains to the policy of another country. His requests for silence are not complied with. 

Mr. Birla adjourns the proceedings till 12 p.m. 

Question Hour begins in Lok Sabha with a set of questions pertaining to use of drones for spraying of pesticides, with CIvil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu replying. 

Meanwhile, members clamour and demand discussion on the deportment of Indians from the U.S by military aircraft. Speaker Om Birla says that they will discuss the issue at 12 p.m.

Rule 267 allows for suspension of day’s business to debate the issue suggested by a Member.

Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh takes over proceedings of the House.

The Lok Sabha resumes proceedings at 11 a.m with Speaker Om Birla presiding.

Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar extends birthday greetings to members.

Congress chief whip in Lok Sabha, Manickam Tagore gave a notice to move an adjournment motion on the “inhumane” way Indians were deported from the United States. 

A C-17 wide-bodied aircraft of the U.S. Air Force landed in the Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport of Amritsar on Wednesday (February 5, 2025) carrying around 100 Indian nationals who were suspected by the U.S. authorities of using illegal means to enter the United States. 

Mr. Tagore in the motion quoted reports which said deported individuals were handcuffed and shackled and transported on military aircraft. It is a clear violation of their dignity, he mentioned. 

1. Birthday greetings

2. Question Hour

3. Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address