PM Modi to MPs at NDA parliamentary meet: Don’t behave like Rahul Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday chaired the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) parliamentary party meeting, in what was his first address to the MPs of the ruling bloc during the first session of Parliament since he assumed office for a third term.

The NDA meeting comes amid discussions in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on the Motion of Thanks to President Droupadi Murmu’s address to a joint sitting of Parliament. Later today, PM Modi is also expected to reply to the discussions in both Houses.

Official sources told news agency PTI that all members of Parliament of the BJP and its allies were notified about today’s meeting and were asked to attend it.

Though the Prime Minister in the past has addressed the NDA MPs on a few occasions, especially when he was elected as their leader ahead of all his three terms, he generally speaks at the meetings of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs during sessions.

The development assumes significance as the BJP, for the first time since 2014, has lost the majority in the Lok Sabha in the recently held polls and depends on its allies for the government’s continuation.

On Monday, the Lok Sabha was adjourned until 11 am on Tuesday.

While Rahul Gandhi stirred a row with his remarks on Hinduism, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “divisive” speeches during the Lok Sabha elections.

The two Houses took up the debate on the motion of thanks on the President’s address with PM Modi slamming Rahul Gandhi during his speech.

“Calling the entire Hindu community violent is a very serious matter,” PM Modi said.

Later, Home Minister Amit Shah also demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi.

While the BJP held a press conference later to denounce Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, Congress also held an evening presser to slam the ruling party at the Centre.