'No foreign interference for first time in a decade’: PM Modi’s dig at Opposition ahead of Budget Session

This is the first time since 2014 that no foreign forces have tried to create disturbances ahead of a Parliament session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a quip at the Opposition ahead of the Budget Session which began on Jan 31.

In his customary remarks before the session, Modi said it had become a trend for some to do "mischief" before every session, and that he had been seeing it since 2014 when the BJP came to power at the Centre.

"Since 2014, this is the first Parliament session that saw no 'videshi chingari' (foreign interference) in our affairs, in which no foreign forces tried to ignite a fire. Before every budget session, I noticed that people were ready to do mischief. And many in our country leave no stone unturned to fan these sparks," Modi said, flanked by his party MPs in the Parliament complex.

Modi’s remarks follows the disruption of parliamentary proceedings over the last few sessions, especially after baseless allegations made by the US-based short-seller Hindenburg, and more significantly weeks after the short-seller announced it was shutting down.

'Moving ahead'

The Budget Session began Jan 31 with President Droupadi Murmu's address to a joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the Economic Survey today and present the Union Budget on Feb 1.

Modi in his remarks said that this session will focus on India's all-round development, especially on women's empowerment.

"We are moving ahead on mission mode. Innovation, inclusion, and investment form the base of our economic activity. In this session of Parliament, many historic bills and amendments will be discussed," he said.

Modi said the session will also focus on "reform, perform, and transform", and added that all MPs will contribute to strengthening the 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) model in this session.

"It will be a golden opportunity for young MPs. They will be witness to Viksit Bharat. I hope we will stand up to the hopes and expectations of the people." he said.

Stating that India is itself a young nation, he said those in the 20-25 age group will be the greatest beneficiaries of Viksit Bharat by the time they turn 50.

"They will be at the helm of policymaking. The efforts to fulfill our vision of Viksit Bharat will be a huge gift for our young generation," he added.