Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the press upon his arrival to attend the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament in New Delhi on Monday.
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Without taking his name, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took a jab at Rahul Gandhi with his remark that youths with an average age of 28 years and not 56 years need to be complimented for developing a rocket. Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called for meaningful deliberations and people-centric decisions during parliamentary proceedings. Addressing the media just before the beginning of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Modi mentioned the Skyroot Vikram launch and praised youngsters for their efforts in innovation. “India’s youth have taken a new flight into space; it is a tremendous success. I was told that the average age of the team working at the ‘Skyroot’ start-up is merely 28 years. Young people like these have accomplished this feat. I am not speaking of a 56-year-old youth,” Modi said, in an apparent reference to Rahul Gandhi, who is 56.He also mentioned the inauguration of the largest oil refinery and the launch of hydrogen train services in Haryana. PM Modi also stressed upon the disrupted oil supply chain due to tensions in the West Asia region. He said, “even with all these challenges, India continued to grow at 7.7% growth rate. Parliamentary processes are important for the country’s progress.”Highlighting the importance of the monsoon and the Monsoon Session, he said if both are proactive, they will be productive. If both are productive, then the country benefits.Modi called for the smooth conduct of the session. “There are many senior and experienced MPs in our Parliament, and we should make sure we conduct a successful session. I hope we can have a smooth session this time. I hope we get to discuss all important issues, and we make sure everybody gets an opportunity to speak,” he added. Meanwhile, in a social media post Lok Sabha Speaker Birla said, “The supreme temple of democracy, ‘Parliament’, is the highest expression of the people’s aspirations, hopes, and trust. Each parliamentary session provides an important opportunity for people’s representatives to translate these aspirations into meaningful dialogue, deliberation, effective legislative proceedings, and constructive participation for the welfare of the people and the nation. “It is hoped that all honourable members will participate in the proceedings of the House with a spirit of positive cooperation, while respecting the spirit of the Constitution, parliamentary traditions, and decorum. The completion of the maximum legislative and other parliamentary business is our collective responsibility. This is the best means to strengthen public trust and elevate the dignity of democratic institutions even further. “Let us all together make a collective effort to conduct this session with meaningful deliberation, people-centric decisions, and in accordance with parliamentary dignity,” he added.Published on July 20, 2026
