Rajya Sabha address Highlights: PM Modi targets Rahul Gandhi over ‘traitor’ jibe at Ravneet Singh Bittu, calls it an insult to Sikhs

Feb 5, 2026 07:29 PM

Five key takeaways from PM Modi’s speech

Congress-era leadership lacked vision:

Prime Minister Modi said an analysis of speeches delivered by Congress Prime Ministers from the Red Fort clearly shows the absence of long-term vision. He added that a significant part of his government’s effort has gone into correcting past policy mistakes and rebuilding India’s global image, which had suffered during that period.

India riding the ‘Reform Express’:

The Prime Minister said the country is now being governed by clear policies, driven by the mantra of “Reform, Perform and Transform.” He noted that India is firmly on a reform-led growth path and ready to compete globally. The expanding MSME network, he added, has strengthened international confidence in the Indian economy.

Trade deals with EU and US a matter of pride:

PM Modi highlighted that India has signed trade agreements with nine major countries in recent years, including a combined deal with 27 nations. Agreements with the European Union and the United States, he said, reflect India’s growing economic stature. Drawing a contrast, he remarked that past deals under Congress were linked to scandals, while today’s agreements are a source of national pride.

Narmada dam reflects poor implementation under Congress:

Citing the Sardar Sarovar (Narmada) project, the Prime Minister said the plan was conceived even before his birth and initiated during Jawaharlal Nehru’s tenure. However, its inauguration took place only after he became Prime Minister. He recalled that as Gujarat Chief Minister, he had observed a three-day fast to secure approval for the dam, putting farmers’ interests first.

Banking sector turnaround, NPAs below 1%:

PM Modi said that before 2014, bank loans were influenced by political pressure, while the poor struggled to access credit. He described the banking sector under Congress rule as being on the brink of collapse. After 2014, he said, reforms restored confidence in the system, bringing non-performing assets below 1% and pushing bank profits to record highs.

Feb 5, 2026 07:20 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remark describing Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu as a “traitor,” calling it an affront to the Sikh community.

Addressing the House during the ongoing Parliament session, the Prime Minister said a sitting MP had been branded a traitor despite the Congress having witnessed multiple splits and defections over the years. “Many leaders have left the Congress and the party has broken several times, but none of them were ever labelled traitors,” he said.

PM Modi alleged that the remark was made because Bittu is a Sikh, claiming it reflected a deep-seated hostility within the Congress towards the Sikh community. He added that Bittu himself remained unaffected by the comment and had not resorted to personal attacks against the Opposition in Parliament.

The Prime Minister further said it was unfortunate that a leader whose family had made sacrifices for the nation was subjected to such language merely for choosing a different political path.

Feb 5, 2026 06:32 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he has grown accustomed to constant personal attacks, remarking that he “consumes two kg of abuse every day,” which he jokingly described as the secret of his good health.

Addressing Parliament, Modi said slogans about “digging Modi’s grave” are not just political chants but a reflection of the Opposition’s mindset. He alleged that such hostility stems from major decisions taken by his government, including the abrogation of Article 370.

The Prime Minister said the Opposition is troubled by steps taken to bring peace to the Northeast, decisive action against Pakistan-based terrorists, and operations targeting terrorism and extremism. He also cited strong action against Maoist violence and changes related to the Indus Waters framework as reasons for the continued attacks against him.

Modi said the Congress’s real frustration lies elsewhere, claiming the party cannot accept how someone like him reached the Prime Minister’s post and continues to remain there. He alleged that the Congress had long considered the office of the Prime Minister as a family legacy, and finds it difficult to reconcile with the current political reality.

Feb 5, 2026 06:31 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of engaging in divisive and inappropriate political rhetoric, alleging that the party is preparing to “dig Modi’s grave” instead of focusing on nation-building.

Addressing Parliament, Modi said while his responsibility is to strengthen the foundation of a developed India and empower the country’s youth, the Congress is focused on targeting him personally. He said slogans calling for his “grave” stand in sharp contrast to claims of running a “shop of love”.

Questioning such language, the Prime Minister asked what kind of politics talks about digging the grave of a citizen of the country and from which values or constitutional principles such thinking originates.

Feb 5, 2026 06:19 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of repeatedly disrespecting democratic institutions and icons, including Bharat Ratna awardee Bhupen Hazarika.

Addressing Parliament, Modi said it was wrong to insult the “temple of democracy” and alleged that papers were thrown at the Speaker, an act he said was repeated the following day. He said at the time, the Chair was occupied by the son of a Dalit family from Andhra Pradesh, and accused the Opposition of showing disrespect because of his social background.

The Prime Minister alleged that the Congress first insulted the North-East and then disrespected the Dalit community. He said such actions reflected deep-rooted prejudice.

Modi further alleged that Congress leaders harboured hostility towards the people of Assam and had insulted Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika. He said his government had honoured Hazarika, which he described as a matter of pride, but claimed that the Congress even objected to that recognition.

The Prime Minister said dismissing Hazarika as “just a singer” was an insult to Assam and its cultural legacy, adding that the people of the state would never forget such disrespect.

Feb 5, 2026 06:12 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a jibe at the Opposition after its MPs staged a walkout shortly after he began his address in the Rajya Sabha. “Thak gaye, chale gaye,” the Prime Minister remarked, adding that the Opposition would one day have to answer how India was pushed into a situation where no country was willing to enter into trade agreements with it.

PM Modi said the current global interest in trade deals with India reflects the country’s growing economic strength and credibility on the world stage.

Feb 5, 2026 06:10 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of disrespecting the President and undermining the dignity of the highest constitutional office.

Modi said even a discussion on the President’s address could not take place in the Lok Sabha due to disruptions, which he described as an insult to the office of the President. He alleged that the Congress had disrespected a woman who rose from poverty to the highest constitutional position, adding that it also amounted to an insult to the tribal community.

Highlighting the government’s development work, the Prime Minister said long-pending infrastructure projects, including a bridge connecting Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, were completed under the NDA government after being delayed for years.

Modi said the public has faith in his government’s ability to overcome challenges and deliver solutions, regardless of difficulties.

Feb 5, 2026 06:08 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of viewing the people of India as a problem, contrasting it with the BJP-led NDA’s approach of trusting the country’s youth and seeking solutions.

Modi said there is a fundamental difference between the NDA and the Congress in addressing challenges. While the NDA focuses on solving problems by empowering citizens, he alleged that the Congress has historically treated the country’s population itself as a burden.

To support his argument, the Prime Minister cited an anecdote narrated by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during a speech in Iran. He said Indira Gandhi had recalled a conversation with Jawaharlal Nehru in which Nehru reportedly said that his number of “problems” was equal to India’s population at the time, around 35 crore.

Modi said Indira Gandhi later made a similar remark when India’s population rose to about 57 crore, equating the number of people with the number of problems. He questioned how a government could view its own citizens as a problem, asserting that such thinking reflected the Congress’s mindset towards the people of India.

Feb 5, 2026 06:07 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled his role in pushing for the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, saying he had to sit on a three-day protest as Gujarat Chief Minister to secure approval for the project.

Modi said the vision to build a dam on the Narmada river was first imagined by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel even before he was born, but the project remained stalled for decades. He noted that the dam was finally inaugurated only after he became Prime Minister.

Highlighting delays under previous governments, Modi said he had to personally stage a three-day sit-in as Chief Minister to obtain permission for the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam.

Feb 5, 2026 06:05 PM

Prime Minister said former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi herself had criticised the Planning Commission, an institution originally established during the tenure of her father, Jawaharlal Nehru.

Modi said dissatisfaction with the Planning Commission was widespread before 2014, as its rigid approach failed to address regional realities. He said his government replaced it with the NITI Aayog after coming to power, bringing a more flexible and development-oriented framework.

The Prime Minister said several districts across the country were earlier labelled as “backward” and effectively neglected, which further worsened their conditions. He claimed that the NDA government changed this approach through focused implementation and inclusive development.

Citing an example, Modi said Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, once seen as backward, is now gaining national attention through initiatives such as the Bastar Olympics. He alleged that Opposition leaders from the Congress fail to acknowledge on-ground implementation and visible outcomes of development programmes.

Feb 5, 2026 06:04 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi narrated an anecdote related to the Planning Commission to criticise the Congress-era policymaking approach, citing a speech by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Modi said he recalled an incident shared by a senior Congress leader after a visit to Himachal Pradesh. Quoting the leader’s account, he said there was a prolonged struggle with the Planning Commission, which was unwilling to design separate policies for hilly regions.

According to the anecdote, the Planning Commission refused to provide funds for pack animals such as mules, which are essential for transporting goods in mountainous areas, and instead insisted on funding only for jeeps. The leader had questioned the logic of allocating money for vehicles in regions without proper roads, but was told that the rules allowed funding only for jeeps or nothing at all.

The Prime Minister said the speech he quoted was delivered by none other than senior Congress leader and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, using the example to highlight the rigidity and disconnect of the earlier planning system.

Feb 5, 2026 05:58 PM

Prime Minister accused the Congress of repeatedly betraying public trust, including that of farmers and workers. He said misinformation was spread earlier, and labourers were allegedly instigated outside companies, which previous governments failed to manage.

Modi said the NDA government carried out major reforms in public sector undertakings (PSUs), leading to a turnaround in their performance. He said institutions like LIC are now delivering their best-ever results, while PSUs that were once on the verge of closure are posting record profits, boosting Make in India, creating jobs, and securing major domestic and global orders.

The Prime Minister also accused the Congress of neglecting small farmers. He said nearly 10 crore farmers in India own less than 10 hectares of land, but their concerns were ignored earlier. Modi said his government introduced the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme and has so far transferred over Rs 4 lakh crore directly to farmers.

Feb 5, 2026 05:57 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the NDA government introduced a transparent system in the banking sector by carrying out wide-ranging reforms and building confidence among bankers.

He said concerns were raised earlier over rising NPAs, but the government addressed the challenge through structural reforms and mergers of public sector banks that were struggling.

PM Modi said global economic experts had once described such reforms as a major challenge, but the government successfully implemented them.

The Prime Minister said poor and young entrepreneurs are now getting easier access to loans under the Mudra scheme, with over Rs 30 lakh crore provided as collateral-free loans.

He added that NPAs have been brought down to historic lows, now below one per cent.

Modi said the perception that PSUs were meant to fail has changed, with public sector banks now performing strongly.

Feb 5, 2026 05:56 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Congress leaders of misusing the banking system, alleging that banks used to sanction loans worth billions of rupees on the basis of phone calls before 2014.

Speaking in Parliament, the Prime Minister said the banking sector is the backbone of the economy, but claimed that prior to 2014, “phone banking” was rampant. He alleged that influential leaders would make calls, after which loans worth crores were approved, while poor citizens were turned away from banks.

Modi claimed that massive loans were granted at the behest of Congress leaders and were treated as personal property by beneficiaries, leading to large-scale misuse of public money.

The Prime Minister said when he had just taken office, a foreign head of state had advised him to closely study India’s banking system, hinting at global concerns over the way the sector was functioning at the time.

Feb 5, 2026 05:55 PM

Prime Minister launched a scathing attack on Opposition parties, saying that those whose governments were “drowned in liquor scams” are now preaching morality in Parliament.

Addressing the Rajya Sabha, the Prime Minister said members who failed to deliver while in power are now lecturing others. Without naming individuals, he referred to a leader whose government, he claimed, was consumed by liquor-related controversies and whose “Sheesh Mahal” residence has become a symbol of public anger. PM Modi also made a veiled reference to allegations of links with black money, asking how long such leaders would continue to mislead the world and where they would hide the truth if they looked in the mirror.

Taking aim at multiple Opposition parties, Modi said the TMC, Congress, Left, and DMK have ruled at the Centre and in states for decades, but questioned what legacy they left behind. He said today, when trade deals are discussed, they are a matter of national pride, whereas earlier the very word “deal” reminded people of scandals like Bofors.

The Prime Minister alleged that past governments were more focused on filling their own pockets than serving the nation, contrasting it with his government’s emphasis on transparency and national interest.

Feb 5, 2026 05:47 PM

Prime Minister accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of pressuring courts to protect illegal infiltrators, saying such actions are harming the country’s youth and social fabric.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, the Prime Minister said the Upper House represents the states and therefore the level of debate should be more responsible. He said he heard a member who takes pride in being called a “king” speaking about economic inequality, calling it ironic.

Taking a direct swipe at the TMC, PM Modi said its leaders should first look inward. He alleged that the party has set new records on every parameter of decline, yet continues to preach in Parliament. He claimed the state is being pushed into darkness while its leaders lecture others.

The Prime Minister said even developed nations take strict action to remove illegal infiltrators, but in India, pressure is allegedly being created on courts to protect them. He warned that infiltration is robbing Indian youth of opportunities, grabbing land, and leading to crimes against women.

Feb 5, 2026 05:40 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said when multi-party delegations from India recently visited different countries, they experienced first-hand that the world now views India as an equal partner.

The Prime Minister said the government’s focused push on the MSME sector has strengthened global confidence in India. He added that the outcome of these efforts is visible, with several major countries eager to deepen trade relations with India.

Referring to discussions in Parliament, PM Modi said the trade deal mentioned by Union Minister Piyush Goyal is being closely watched by the international community. He said global confidence in India has further increased following the trade agreement with the United States.

The Prime Minister said the biggest beneficiaries of these developments will be India’s youth, as new opportunities are opening up for them across the world. He added that global markets are now accessible to Indian talent, with growing demand for young professionals. PM Modi said some countries have even set up special offices in India to scout for skilled talent.

Feb 5, 2026 05:38 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on the Congress, saying the party lacked clear thinking, vision, and political will during its time in power.

The Prime Minister said global trade partnerships materialise only when a country has a strong manufacturing ecosystem. He alleged that leaders driven by vote-bank politics never placed national interest above everything else.

PM Modi said an analysis of speeches delivered by Congress Prime Ministers from the Red Fort would reveal the absence of long-term thinking, vision and determination. He claimed that the country had to pay the price for those shortcomings, and that a significant part of the current government’s energy is being spent on correcting past mistakes and restoring India’s global image.

The Prime Minister said his government focused on future-ready policies and ensured that the country is governed by a clear policy framework. He added that this policy-driven approach has strengthened global confidence in India.

Highlighting economic reforms, PM Modi said the government followed the principle of “reform, perform and transform,” asserting that India today is fully prepared to compete with the world.

Feb 5, 2026 05:36 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said a developed country entering into a trade deal with a developing nation is a significant achievement, highlighting India’s growing global standing.

Targeting previous governments, the Prime Minister said those who “got tired and left” would one day have to explain how the country’s situation had deteriorated under their watch. He alleged that earlier, no country in the world was willing to come forward to sign trade agreements with India.

PM Modi said even if efforts were made in the past to pursue such deals, no nation showed interest. He asserted that the present scenario reflects India’s enhanced capabilities and confidence.

The Prime Minister said when a major developed country engages in a trade agreement with a developing country, it signals trust and strength. He added that such deals are possible only when a nation has the capacity, and when its citizens are driven by energy, confidence and determination.

Feb 5, 2026 05:35 PM

PM Modi said the global situation has changed significantly after the Covid-19 pandemic, with new challenges and realities emerging across the world. He said the world is now moving towards a new world order, similar to the global restructuring that took place after the Second World War.

The Prime Minister said an objective analysis of current global developments shows a growing inclination towards India, highlighting the country’s rising stature on the international stage.

PM Modi said India has emerged as a trusted partner for many countries under the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, working shoulder to shoulder with nations for global welfare.

He said while the world is increasingly talking about the Global South, India has taken the lead as its voice on international platforms.

The Prime Minister added that India is actively engaging in trade agreements with several countries and regions. He said India has entered into trade deals with nine major countries in recent times, including a significant agreement involving 127 countries through the European Union.

Feb 5, 2026 05:34 PM

PM Modi accused the Congress of weakening India’s economy, claiming that the country had slipped from the sixth to the 11th position globally during its rule.

Addressing the House, the Prime Minister said India today is among the fastest-growing major economies in the world. He highlighted the combination of high economic growth and low inflation as a unique achievement, reflecting the strength and resilience of the Indian economy.

PM Modi said when India gained Independence, it was the world’s sixth-largest economy, but alleged that Congress governments presided over a decline that pushed the country down to the 11th position. He added that India is now firmly moving towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy.

The Prime Minister said confidence is visible across all sectors, including science, space and sports, and asserted that India is moving forward with renewed self-belief.

Feb 5, 2026 05:33 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while many of the world’s developed nations are ageing, India is becoming increasingly youthful, calling it a major advantage for the country.

The Prime Minister said several favourable circumstances have come together for India at the same time, describing it as a rare and positive coincidence. He pointed out that many prosperous countries across the world are witnessing an ageing population, even as India continues to touch new heights of development with a growing young population.

PM Modi said the global attraction towards India has increased significantly, with the world now recognising the value of Indian talent. He added that India today possesses one of the world’s most significant pools of young talent, equipped with dreams, determination, and capability.

The Prime Minister said in a world facing multiple challenges, India has emerged as a ray of hope, offering solutions rather than problems.

Feb 5, 2026 05:31 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the President’s address had powerfully reflected India’s progress across all sections of society, including the middle class, economically weaker sections, the poor, farmers, women and the fields of science and technology.

He said the address echoed a unified voice of India’s development in Parliament and highlighted how the country’s youth are strengthening India’s capabilities. The Prime Minister added that the President had expressed confidence in India’s bright future, calling it an inspiring message for the entire nation.

Referring to India’s growth trajectory, PM Modi said the first quarter of the 21st century has now been completed, and the second quarter would prove just as decisive as the freedom movement of the last century. He said he could clearly see that the coming phase would be equally powerful in shaping a developed India, with rapid progress across sectors.

The Prime Minister further said every citizen of the country feels that India has reached a crucial turning point, adding that the nation must continue to move forward without pause.

Feb 5, 2026 05:29 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge could raise slogans while seated, drawing attention to his age amid disruptions in the Rajya Sabha.

Addressing the House, the Prime Minister said he considered it his privilege to express his gratitude and sentiments in the Upper House. Referring to India’s progress, PM Modi said the past year had been marked by rapid development and that the country was moving forward in every sector on its journey towards a “Viksit Bharat”.

Making a light remark amid the chaos, the Prime Minister appealed to the Chair to allow Kharge to remain seated while raising slogans so that he would not face any discomfort. He added that younger members were present behind him and requested that Kharge be permitted to protest from his seat.

Feb 5, 2026 05:28 PM

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said an unexpected incident could have taken place involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the House on Wednesday, which is why the PM’s scheduled speech was postponed.

Birla stated that, considering the apprehension, he himself requested the Prime Minister not to come to the Lok Sabha for his address scheduled at 5 pm on Wednesday evening.

According to news agency ANI, citing sources, there were concerns that Congress MPs were planning to create a serious disruption during the Prime Minister’s speech, and a possible attack was feared. In view of this, the Speaker decided to adjourn the House.