Cong chief in hurry to get PM’s chair: Modi

New Delhi, July 20

PM Narendra Modi on Friday mocked Rahul Gandhi for his gesture to make him stand from the seat before hugging in Lok Sabha, saying it shows the Congress president’s arrogance and hurry to get the PM’s chair.

Speaking during the no-confidence motion, Modi said only the 125 crore people of the country can decide who would sit in the Prime Minister’s chair or who can be unseated. “What is the hurry?” Modi said, referring to Gandhi’s hand gestures when he came across to PM’s chair and hugged him during the non-confidence motion debate.

Modi initially looked non-plussed and did not stand up, but recovered quickly and called Gandhi back and patted him on the back. He also appeared to say a few words, which were inaudible. BJP MPs sitting behind Modi watched the brief interaction open-mouthed as the Prime Minister smiled at Gandhi as he walked back to his seat.

In his reply, Modi asked all Lok Sabha members to dismiss the non-confidence motion, which he said was driven by arrogance and Congress’ attempt to test its own probable allies. “Arrogance is behind the no-confidence motion,” Modi said and hit out at the Congress, saying this is not the floor test of the government but a “force” test of the main opposition party and its so-called allies.

Capping the over 10-hour debate marked with sharp attacks and counter-attacks between the ruling alliance and the Opposition leaders, Modi asserted that some people are indulging in “negative” politics. “We are not doing politics of appeasement or vote bank. We have been working with ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ mantra,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Gandhi had launched a scathing attack on the PM. — PTI