The last session of the 17th Lok Sabha concluded on Saturday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his belief that the upcoming general elections will bring glory and further strengthen democracy in India. As the tenure of the present Lower House is set to end on June 16, a general election is likely to take place during April-May. Reflecting on the past five years, Modi highlighted the themes of reform, performance, and transformation that have shaped the nation.
One notable milestone during the 17th Lok Sabha was the shift to a new parliamentary building. This period was also marked by the passage of the historic Women’s Reservation Bill, which aims to empower women in politics, as well as the abrogation of Article 370 and the banning of the practice of triple talaq. Interestingly, the House did not nominate any Deputy Speaker in the last five years.
PM Modi emphasized the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, citing the legislation to criminalize instant triple talaq and the passage of the women’s reservation bill. He described the tenure of the 17th Lok Sabha as laying the foundation for a strong India in the 21st century, with several game-changing reforms.
Highlighting the scrapping of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Modi spoke of how this decision fulfilled the dream of one Constitution for the entire country. He attributed this achievement to the vision of the Constitution’s framers and emphasized the government’s commitment to social justice for the people of Kashmir.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of minimal government interference in people’s lives, stating that it strengthens democracy. He referred to the discussion on the Ram temple in Parliament, expressing pride in the resolution passed by the Lok Sabha, which he believes will inspire future generations with the country’s values.
Modi commended the functioning and productivity of the 17th Lok Sabha, with a remarkable 97% productivity rate and over 100% in seven sessions. He expressed hope that the next Lok Sabha will aim for 100% productivity, further enhancing the democratic process in India.
The culmination of the 17th Lok Sabha signifies not only significant achievements and reforms but also the continuous commitment to strengthening democracy and empowering the people of India.