New Delhi: Speaking in response to the no-confidence motion in the Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took a dig at the Opposition, saying that the no-confidence motion is lucky for the NDA.

Modi referred to the coalition formed by the Opposition parties, I.N.D.I.A, as ‘Ghamandiya’ (one steeped in arrogance), as he alleged that the alliance represents corruption, nepotism, and an era of failure that weakened India’s position.

Attacking the Opposition, specifically the Congress, Modi said people of India have reposed faith in the government time and again, adding that he considers it as a God's blessing that the opposition brought the no-confidence motion.

“It happened in 2018 as well. Even then I had said, the motion is not a floor test of our government but theirs,” he said.

“They could not win when voting happened, they fell short. When they reached out to the public, their response reflected a lack of confidence in the Opposition. The NDA and BJP received a greater number of votes, showing our popularity. Interestingly, the opposition's motion of no-confidence has provided us with a fortunate outcome. This decision solidifies our belief that the NDA and BJP will secure a substantial victory and return with a strong mandate,” he said.

Slamming the Opposition that has repeatedly accused the government for not working for the poor, he pointed out that IMF has called the DBT (direct-benefit transfer) a logistical marvel. WHO has said India is saving lakhs with the Jal Jeevan Mission. WHO analysed the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Many allegations were levelled by them. They claimed that Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) was in dire straits, even resorting to showing videos of HAL employees to intimidate them and propagate the idea of HAL's decline. Their intentions seemed to revolve around the downfall of HAL.

They asserted that LIC (Life Insurance Corporation) was on the brink of collapse, insinuating that the funds of the less fortunate had been squandered. However, present circumstances reveal that LIC is consistently gaining strength and resilience.

Their favourite slogan is "Modi teri kabr khudegi” (Modi, your grave will be dug). But to me, their offensive language and use of unparliamentary words serve as a source of motivation. But why do they resort to such behavior? In my opinion, the opposition seems to possess a mysterious blessing – anyone they criticize ends up prospering. I am a living testament to this phenomenon. They directed their criticism towards the banking sectors, even bringing in external experts and circulating rumours. Ironically, the profits of state banks witnessed a twofold increase despite their efforts.

“The nation holds the belief that when you introduce a no-confidence motion in 2028, by that time the country will have secured a position among the top three,” he said.

In 1991, the nation teetered on the brink of bankruptcy. However, by 2014, India had risen to the top five. While Congress might perceive this transformation as something magical, it was actually achieved through a concerted effort of "reform, perform, and unwavering diligence."

“The history of the Congress and its friends reveals a lack of confidence in India and its potential. In the face of border attacks and frequent terrorist incursions by Pakistan, while Kashmir grappled with terrorism, the Congress relied on the Hurriyat, separatists, and those aligned with a Pakistani flag. In response, we carried out surgical strikes, yet they remained sceptical of our actions and chose to trust Pakistan instead,” he said.

The Congress seems to be consumed by arrogance, causing them to lose touch with the reality on the ground.

"They can find people to create a ruckus and shout slogans, but they must work as an Opposition that can oppose constructively. It needs a lot of work and apparently, they don’t want to act in that way. We have seen that the Opposition was underprepared to debate over issues such as Manipur," he said.

Taking a jibe at the Opposition parties’ meeting in Bengaluru to form a coalition ahead of the 2024 general elections to defeat the BJP, Modi said, “During your (Opposition) gathering in Bengaluru, you convened to bid farewell to the UPA. I should have offered my condolences at that time, but the delay wasn't my doing. While you were performing the last rites of the UPA and attempting to glorify the patching and repainting of ruins, you were essentially trying to present an old car as an electric vehicle.”

I came here today to respond to the allegations, despite the unparliamentary language against me, I am happy that we were able to speak about the work we have done so far and I thank the Opposition for bringing the no-confidence motion.