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Special session of Parliament
PM addresses MPs in Central Hall of Parliament during Special Session
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Members of
Parliament in the Central Hall during the Special Session 18 September, 2023.
In Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji stated, “All of us are saying goodbye to this historic building. Before independence, this House was the place for the Imperial Legislative Council. After independence, this gained the identity of Parliament House. The decision to construct this building was indeed taken by foreign rulers but we can never forget and can proudly say that the toil, the hard work and the money that went into the construction was that of my countrymen.” He added that it is time to remember inspirational moments associated with this Parliament building before we move to new premises. This Parliament saw a party with just four Members of Parliament (MPs) sitting in power, while the party with more than 100 MPs sat in opposition.
As the functioning of Parliament shifts to the new building, he mentioned the oldest member of Lok Sabha was 93 years old Samajwadi Party MP Shri Shafiqur Rahman Barq and the youngest was 25 years old Smt Chandrani Murmu of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP. He also remembered Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Shri Indrajit Gupta, who served as a Lok Sabha MP for almost 36 years from 1960 to 2001, except for a short period from 1977 to 1980. Shri Barq, a sitting MP of Lok Sabha, has been elected an MP nine times. He first became a Lok Sabha member in 1996 from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh. He had won four times as an MLA before that.
The PM paid homage to the security personnel who laid down their lives while fighting terrorists during the Parliament attack on this day in 2001. There have been sweet and sour experiences, there has also been an atmosphere of bickering, and sometimes an atmosphere of conflict and sometimes, there has been an atmosphere of joy as well. All these memories are our shared memories, our shared heritage and hence, its pride is also our shared,” he said in Lok Sabha.
People’s trust in the Parliament remains intact
After Independence, many critics thought about whether India would remain united or not but we proved all of them wrong. People’s trust in the Parliament remains intact. Biggest achievement of 75 years of this House is the ever-growing trust of the people in Parliament. He stated that India is now the Vishwa Mitra. India is looking for its Vishwa Mitra and the world is experiencing India as Vishwa-Mitra. This is due to the Indian cultural inheritance from Ved to Vivekanand. This is an indication of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas.
Parliament a pilgrimage of India’s democracy
He mentioned that our ‘Naad Brahm’ parampara, which means siddhi of a place by chanting the same mantra, has made this Parliament a pilgrimage of India’s democracy.
Over 7,500 members have so far contributed to both Houses; about 600 women MPs have enhanced the dignity of both Houses. He said that while their representation was low earlier, it continuously increased over the years, and so did the contribution by the women MPs. He highlighted achievements of the parliament including the Removal of Article 370, One Nation One Tax, GST, One Rank One Pension, 10% reservation for EWS. He added that he is confident that as we enter new Parliament building, we will go there with new hope and confidence.
About Former Prime Ministers, Presidents, Speakers and Staff
From Shri Nehru to Shri Shastri to Shri Vajpayee, Parliament has seen several leaders presenting their vision of India. He said that a fitting tribute was given to the three serving PMs who lost their lives while in office: Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri and Smt. Indira Gandhi. The echo of Pandit Shri Jawaharlal Nehru’s ‘at the stroke of midnight’ in this Parliament will continue to inspire us. And this is that very Parliament where Shri Atal Ji said ‘sarkaren ayyengi, jayengi; partiyan banegi, bigedgi; magar ye desh rahna chahiye’. This Parliament will remember Smt. Indira Gandhi’s decision on Pakistan’s partition and formation of Bangladesh. He praised Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, as well as Smt. Indira Gandhi for making tough decisions during their tenure as Prime Minister at this building. He added that by just one vote, Shri Atal Vajpayee’s Government fell in this building. This House also witnessed ‘cash for votes’ scam during the tenure of Prime Minister Shri Manmohan Singh.
He also hailed the contributions of all former Presidents, and Speakers who have led to the growth and development of India. He further hailed the contributions of the staff of the Parliament, some of whose generations have served the parliament. He mentioned that their contribution has made India’s parliamentary governance very efficient.
The Success of G20
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji stated, “Today, you have unanimously appreciated the success of G20. I express my gratitude to you. G20’s success is that of 140 crore citizens of the country. It is India’s success, not that of an individual or a party. It is a matter for all of us to celebrate.” PM stated that doubting India is a common norm and many believed that no declaration will be passed . However, it was India’s power that ensured consensus on the G20 Declaration, which helmed talks with multiple countries on the Ukraine crisis that has impacted the world. India will remember that under its presidency, the African Union officially joined the G20.
The Success of Chandrayan Mission
The PM said it is the result of united efforts during the 75 years of the history of Parliament that India’s achievements are being discussed everywhere. “The success of Chandrayaan-3 has not only made India but the world proud. This has highlighted a new form of India’s strength which is connected to technology, science, the potential of our scientists and the strength of the 140 crore people in the country. Today, I again want to congratulate our scientists,” he said on the Chandrayaan mission.
Creation of New States
Celebrations everywhere when Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand were carved out; but creation of Telangana left bitter memories.
Work during COVID
Many MPs attended the session despite health issues. During the COVID-19 crisis, our MPs attended the proceedings of both of the Houses and performed their duties. With the feeling that India’s growth journey should not be impacted, all the members considered this House as an important part of their duty.
Entering the Parliament
He mentioned that owing to the strength of Indian democracy that a person selling tea on a railway platform entered the Parliament. This is the testimony of Indian democracy. He also mentioned that his reverence towards Parliament was strong that he entered the Temple of Democracy after bowing down to it. He also saluted all the heroes who have sacrificed their lives protecting this temple of democracy.