President's speech provided blueprint for Viksit Bharat, says PM Modi in Lok Sabha

PM Modi replies on Motion of Thanks debate in Lok Sabha

Replying to the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated that President's speech reflected upon the achievements of the past twenty-five years and provided a cogent roadmap for Viksit Bharat.

Recounting his government's achievements, the Prime Minister said: "Till now the poor have been given 4 crore houses...Those who have lived difficult lives only understand that what is the value of getting a house...The women in the past suffered a lot due to the lack of a toilet system...Those who have these facilities cannot understand "the problems of those who are suffering...We have given more than 12 crore toilets..."

"I am very fortunate that the people of the country have given me the opportunity for the 14th time to reply to Motion of Thanks on President's Address. So, I respectfully express gratitude to the people," remarked the PM.

During the address, PM Modi said, "When a woman is forced to defecate in the open, she can only step out either before sunrise or after sunset. Some people fail to understand this reality. By building over 12 crore toilets, we have eased the struggles of our sisters and daughters."

In a direct attack on the Gandhi family, PM  Modi said those who keep entertaining themselves with photo sessions in the slums will find discussions about the poor in Parliament boring.

In a clear dig at former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the PM said: "There was a Prime Minister known as Mr. Clean, who highlighted the issue that when 1 rupee leaves Delhi, only 15 paisa reaches the villages. Back then, one party ruled from Panchayat to Parliament, with the common man easily understanding where the 15 paisa went."