NEW DELHI: The Opposition and treasury benches sparred with each other in the Lok Sabha on Thursday as Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other ministers were working under the influence of the RSS and Urban Development minister Venkahiah Naidu responded by saying the ministers were proud to be part of the Sangh.
Leading the Opposition attack, Kharge said as the Prime Minister was working under the influence of the RSS, there was a huge difference between the government’s policies and intentions. He further alleged that the people who surround the Prime Minister wouldn’t let him go too far.
Responding to the Opposition’s charge, Venkaiah Naidu said, “We are proud of RSS and its capacity, capability and devotion to this nation”. He said because of the steps taken by the NDA government, India, according to IMF chief, was among the few bright spots in the global economy and was an island of hope.
Venkaiah then targeted the Gandhi family and the UPA government for “promoting” the dynasty, but added that now the power rested with “one person who rose with hardwork”. He said unlike in the past government “where the Prime Minister presides and ‘Madam’ decides, now the Prime Minister presides and decides”. Venkaiah said 618 schemes in the country were named after one family. He said Modi wouldn’t run the country for another 25 years but the institution of the PM would be there.
“India’s reputation in the world has been going up after Modi visited 32 countries in a short period of time,” Venkaiah said. The PM will take up with the US its plan to supply F-16 fighter planes to Pakistan, he said, replying to the questions on why Modi hadn’t taken up the issue with US President Barack Obama.