‘Don’t behave like Rahul Gandhi did in Lok Sabha’: PM Modi tells MPs at NDA parliamentary meet

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday (July 2). This was PM's first address to the MPs during the first session of Parliament since beginning his third term in office.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister advised all NDA MPs “not to act like Leader of Opposition(LoP) Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha.”

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Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, while speaking to reporters after the meeting said, "Prime Minister gave us an important mantra during the meet. He emphasised that every MP has been elected to the House to serve the nation. Regardless of the party they belong to, our first responsibility is to serve the nation."

"Every NDA MP has to work by prioritising the country, this is what the PM urged. Secondly, the PM guided us well regarding the conduct of MPs. He said that every MP should present the matters of their constituency in the House very well as per rules. He also told us to develop expertise in other major issues of interest - be it water, environment, social area. So, PM told us to develop expertise in those areas," Rijiju said.

"The Prime Minister further requested that every MP, along with their family, should visit the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya. At Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, the journey from Pt Jawaharlal Nehru to PM Narendra Modi has been displayed in a beautiful manner. There is no political agenda...This is the first such effort that the entire country should get to know of the contribution of each PM, appreciate it, learn from it and pay tribute to them," the Union Minister said.

Rijiju further said, "The manner in which LoP Rahul Gandhi behaved yesterday, turned his back towards the Speaker, spoke out of rules and insulted the Speaker is something that people of our party, the NDA should not do..."

Earlier on Monday (July 1), the Lok Sabha was adjourned until 11 am on Tuesday (July 2).

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Rahul Gandhi sparked controversy with his remarks on Hinduism.

Gandhi slammed PM Modi, who was present in the parliament, without directly naming him. Gandhi remarked, "Those who call themselves Hindu only talk about violence, hatred, untruth…Aap Hindu ho hi nahi (You are not a Hindu)."

PM Modi then condemned him for calling the entire Hindu community violent during his speech and said, "Calling the entire Hindu community violent is a very serious matter."

Later, Home Minister Amit Shah also demanded an apology from LoP Rahul Gandhi.

(With inputs from agencies)