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.

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.

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.