Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to reply to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, marking the fourth day of the Budget session of Parliament. His address follows a speech by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who on Monday launched a sharp attack on the NDA-led central government.

During his address in the lower house, Gandhi criticized the Modi government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, claiming it had failed to revive the manufacturing sector. He pointed out that the sector’s share in GDP had declined from 15.3 percent in 2014 to 12.6 percent, the lowest in the past 60 years. He also reiterated his call for a caste census, suggesting that applying artificial intelligence to such data could open up significant opportunities.

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju demanded an apology from Gandhi, stating that the opposition leader failed to substantiate his claims. Rijiju said that the Speaker had asked Gandhi four times to authenticate his statements, but he left the House without providing any supporting evidence. He emphasized that the post of Leader of Opposition carries responsibility and that any unverified statements should not be taken lightly.

The session also witnessed disruptions from opposition MPs during question hour, as they demanded a discussion on the Maha Kumbh stampede. Many members staged a walkout in protest.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam is set to present two reports in the Lok Sabha. One will focus on the government’s response to recommendations regarding the Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram under the Department of Youth Affairs. The other will review education standards, accreditation, research, and examination reforms in Deemed Private Universities and other higher education institutions under the Ministry of Education.

Lok Sabha MP Iqra Choudhary is expected to table a report on the government’s actions concerning recommendations on mental health care and its management in contemporary times under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The Budget session of Parliament began on January 31 with President Droupadi Murmu’s joint address to both Houses. The first phase of the session will continue until February 13, with a recess before the second phase resumes on March 10. The session is scheduled to conclude on April 4.

(ANI)