This is an archive article published on September 20, 2023
In first speech in new House, PM to MPs: Forget past bitterness
Following this, the Prime Minister along with the MPs walked to the adjacent new Parliament building for the first session of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha there.
Written by Liz Mathew
, Divya A
New Delhi | Updated: September 20, 2023 05:41 AM IST
4 min read
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh and other parliamentarians enters the new Parliament building, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)
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In first speech in new House, PM to MPs: Forget past bitterness
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AS PARLIAMENT began functioning from the new building, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged all MPs to forget past bitterness and start a new chapter to build a stronger India. He urged them to expand the canvas to depict the vast aspirations of Indians.
“The chains of slavery had suppressed our aspirations, but united we have reached here. The aspirations and dreams of Indians should be the centre of our reforms. Can we paint a big picture on a small canvas? Similarly, if we don’t widen the area of thought, we cannot depict the vast aspirations of India,” said Modi, addressing MPs of both Houses at a function in Central Hall of the old Parliament building, which he suggested be named Samvidhan Sadan.
Following this, the Prime Minister along with the MPs walked to the adjacent new Parliament building for the first session of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha there.
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As proceedings chaired by Speaker Om Birla began in the new building, the Prime Minister delivered his maiden speech in the new Lok Sabha chamber as the Leader of the House. He said the new Parliament building reflects the aspirations of 140 crore Indians. “When we are starting a new chapter, we should forget all past bitterness,” he said. “Whatever we are going to do in this new Parliament building, it should be an inspiration to every citizen in the country.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Union Ministers enters the new Parliament building, in New Delhi. (ANI)
The Prime Minister said the members should no longer get caught up in smaller issues as they have the responsibility of becoming self reliant.
“The time for us to get caught up in smaller issues is over. First of all, we will have to meet the goal of becoming Atma Nirbhar Bharat… It is the need of the hour, it is everyone’s duty. Parties do not come in its way. Sirf dil chahiye, desh ke liye chahiye,” Modi said. “Every law made in Parliament, every discussion held in Parliament, and every signal given by Parliament should encourage the Indian aspiration. This is our responsibility and the expectation of every Indian.”
In his address to the MPs in the Rajya Sabha on the first day, the Prime Minister maintained that the elected representatives have to meet goals in a time-bound manner as the new generation is not prepared to wait for long.
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He listed the Bills that were passed in the old Parliament building. “In the last few years, Parliament has also passed laws giving justice to the transgenders. We have unitedly passed laws that will guarantee a bright future for the specially abled people. It is our privilege that we got the opportunity to abrogate Article 370,” he said, adding that the House unitedly passed the law against triple talaq “to give justice to Muslims mothers and sisters”.
“The Constitution made in this House was implemented in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, adding that J&K has embarked on the path of peace and development. With a new zeal, enthusiasm and determination, the people there do not want to miss any opportunity to move forward, he said.
Earlier, in his Central Hall speech, Modi recalled that the old Parliament House had witnessed 86 presidential speeches, addresses of 41 dignitaries and making of 4,000 legislation in the last seven decades. Highlighting the government’s achievements in the economic sector, he said: “Many of you may be disappointed with the work that is happening. But the world is amazed at India’s economic growth, especially in the banking sector, digitalisation and the governance model we are following.”
“There is a fascination and acceptance to the way the youth is working in the technology sector,” he said.
Have been in journalism covering national politics for 23 years. Have covered six consecutive Lok Sabha elections and assembly polls in almost all the states. Currently writes on ruling BJP. Always loves to understand what's cooking in the national politics (And ventures into the act only in kitchen at home). ... Read More
Divya A reports on travel, tourism, culture and social issues - not necessarily in that order - for The Indian Express. She's been a journalist for over a decade now, working with Khaleej Times and The Times of India, before settling down at Express. Besides writing/ editing news reports, she indulges her pen to write short stories. As Sanskriti Prabha Dutt Fellow for Excellence in Journalism, she is researching on the lives of the children of sex workers in India. ... Read More