Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took time to mention several “historic decisions,” including his government’s much talked-about moves on Article 370 and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as well as the One Rank-One Pension Bill in his opening remarks.
On Tuesday, the Prime Minister called for “expanding the canvas” to build a stronger India and said all reforms and new laws going forward must have rising aspirations of the country as their priority. Addressing a function in the Central Hall of the old Parliament building ahead of the day’s proceedings, PM Modi said a big picture cannot be painted on a small canvas and the idea of a grand India cannot be envisioned if the members do not think big.
Looking back, the Prime Minister also recalled “bitter-sweet memories” associated with the old building, including the terror attack of 2001. “The House will always say proudly that [the abrogation of] Article 370 became possible due to it… GST was also passed here… ‘One Rank-One Pension’ was witnessed [and] 10 per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections was successfully allowed for the first time without dispute,” he said. “Bidding goodbye to this building is an emotional moment…many bitter-sweet memories associated with it. We had differences and disputes but we witnessed “parivaar bhaav” (familial feelings’),” he continued as MPs from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party thumped their desks in agreement.
“Before Independence, this was the place for the Imperial Legislative Council. After Independence, this gained the identity of Parliament. It is true the decision to construct this building was taken by foreign rulers but we can proudly say the toil, hard work and money that went into the construction was that of (our) countrymen.” The Prime Minister also praised the Chandrayaan-3 Moon mission and said India had “made the world proud… highlighted a new form of India’s strength”. He also spoke about the success of the G20 Summit and attributed it to “140 crore citizens… not any individual or party”. “Today… you have unanimously appreciated the success of G20. I express my gratitude to you. The success of G20 success is that of 140 crore citizens of the country. It is India’s success (and) not that of an individual or a party. It is a matter for all of us to celebrate,” the Prime Minister said.
Proudest moment associated with the old Parliament House
1. Nehru’s post-independence speech – 7.43%
2. Ratification of the Constitution – 11.49%
3. Triple Talaq Bill – 7.88%
4. Abrogation of Article 370 – 50%
5. All of the above – 20.27%
6. Can’t say – 2.93%
Most troubling memories related to the old Parliament
1. Attack on Parliament – 45.72%
2. Declaration of emergency – 17.57%
3. Shah Bano case – 3.38%
4. Cash-for-vote scandal – 3.83%
5. All of the above – 18.92%
6. Can’t say – 10.59%
Bill to be prioritised in the new Parliament
1. One Nation One Election – 23.20%
2. Women’s Reservation Bill – 17.34%
3. Uniform Civil Code – 20.50%
4. Changing India’s name to Bharat – 14.64%
5. All of the above – 16.89%
6. Can’t say – 7.43%
Should delimitation be decided on soon
1. Yes – 63.96%
2. No – 26.13%
3. Can’t say – 9.91%
