PM Modi Rajya Sabha: India faces biggest threat from family-run parties: Everything PM Modi said in Rajya Sabha

Leaders of some opposition parties even boycotted all-party meeting on COVID-19 but country is still moving forward, he added.

Here are the highlights from his speech in the Rajya Sabha…

On India’s Covid response

The world is still battling COVID-19 and this pandemic changes its forms and creates trouble for the people, he added.

“COVID-19 is a pandemic, humankind had never seen such a crisis in the last 100 years. This crisis changes its forms and creates trouble for the people, the entire country and world are fighting against it,” said PM Modi in the Upper House.

“When COVID-19 began, it was being discussed what will become of India. It was also discussed what will impact on world due to India. But due to the willpower and discipline of the 130 crore people of the country, efforts of India is being appreciated across the world,” he added.

The Prime Minister said the people of the country have taken the vaccine and they have done this not merely to protect themselves but also to protect others.

“Such conduct, in the midst of so many global anti-vaccine movements, is admirable,” he added.

On the Opposition

“A few leaders of some political parties have shown immaturity in the last 2 years which has disappointed the nation. We have seen how games have been played due to political selfishness. Campaigns were done against Indian vaccines,” Modi hit out at the Congress.

In his speech, the Prime Minister accused the Congress of creating hurdles in development. “If Congress was not there, common people would not have waited for years to get power, water,” he said.

Congress in a way is in grip of urban naxals & they are controlling its thoughts & ideology.

Defeat and victory happen, but don’t impose your frustration on people, the Prime Minister appealed to the Opposition.

Modi suggested that the opposition party change its name from Indian National Congress to ‘Federation of Congress’.

He said when a family is paramount in a particular party, the biggest casualty is talent.

He also attacked the Congress for sacking over 50 state governments of several parties during its over 50-year rule at the Centre.

On India’s startup scene

“India among top three nations in terms of startups due to efforts of youth and 2021 saw the most number of new unicorns ever,” the PM said in his address.

Govt is focussed on the agriculture and MSME sector to maximise job creation. MSMEs entering the defence sector will also help the country become self-reliant.

“In Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, defence corridors are being built. The way MSMEs are joining the defence sector is very motivating. They’re coming forward and taking the lead. It’s encouraging that people of the country have the ability and they are coming forward to make the country self-reliant in the sector. MSMEs have been connected to GeM and it has increased government procurement seamlessly,” Modi said.

On government schemes

Everyone must focus on how to take country forward in next 25 years when India completes 100 years of Independence, Modi said.

He said that India has turned into one of the leading mobile manufacturers – helping by the PLI scheme.

“It’s a share in exports, too, is rising. PLI scheme is also reaping good rewards in automobile and battery sector,” he said.

On soaring prices

We have honestly tried to contain inflation at certain level, price rise was between 4 & 5 pc during 2014-20, the PM said.

“The US is facing the worst inflation in 40 years. The UK is facing the worst inflation in 30 years. Similar trends are visible in many other European countries. However, we have kept the inflation in check in the range of 4 -5 per cent. During the UPA regime, inflation had touched double digits. We are the only large economy with high growth and low inflation,” said PM Modi.

1.2 crore new members enrolled with EPFO during 2021 including 65 lakh in 18-25 age group.