PM Modi's Fiery Rajya Sabha Address Targets Congress Over 'Kabr' Slogan
In a blistering parliamentary performance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered one of his most pointed critiques against the Congress party during his reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address in the Rajya Sabha. The Prime Minister repeatedly invoked the controversial slogan 'Modi teri kabr khudegi'—approximately 21 times—linking it directly to the Opposition party and their persistent questioning of his government's policies and actions.
Political Tensions Escalate in Parliament
Modi asserted that those who believed the Prime Minister's position was a hereditary entitlement for their family were deeply resentful of his tenure. He emphasized that not only had he secured the office, but he continued to serve effectively, which he claimed fueled their efforts to undermine his initiatives aimed at national development. "Try as hard as you can, you won't be able to dig Modi's grave," the Prime Minister declared, challenging his detractors.
In response, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi countered with a reference to unpublished memoirs of former Army chief M.M. Naravane, stating "Jo uchit samjha woh kiya" (did what he deemed fit). Gandhi also alleged that he was prevented from speaking in the House as LoP on critical issues such as national security and India-China relations.
Finance Minister Clarifies Government Stance
In an exclusive interview with The Indian Express, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the controversy surrounding Naravane's book, Four Stars of Destiny. She clarified that the government harbored no issues with the former Army chief, noting that the book quotes the Prime Minister instructing the Armed Forces with "jo uchit samjho woh karo" (Do whatever you deem is appropriate). "The Prime Minister gave a blank cheque to the Armed Forces. What more do you want to say?" Sitharaman remarked, defending the administration's approach.
Security Concerns in Lok Sabha
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla revealed that he had credible information indicating that several Congress members planned to create an unprecedented incident near the Prime Minister's seat. Consequently, Birla personally requested Modi not to attend the House where he was scheduled to speak earlier. The Congress party, however, firmly rejected any allegations of intending harm to the PM, following a chaotic adjournment after Congress MPs marched towards the treasury benches in protest.
Key Highlights from Finance Minister's Post-Budget Interview
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in a comprehensive post-Budget 2026 discussion, underscored the government's commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to address citizens' daily challenges. She highlighted Prime Minister Modi's hands-on monitoring of project implementations to ensure last-mile delivery.
Sitharaman elaborated on realistic growth estimates, global capital flows, and the hurdles in executing higher capital expenditure. The government has allocated Rs 12.22 lakh crore towards capex for 2026-27, marking an increase of over 11.5% from the previous year. She affirmed that sustaining growth remains the primary objective, with the private sector gradually transitioning from a passive to an active investment mode.
India-Russia Relations Under Scrutiny Amid US Pressure
The announcement by US President Donald Trump that India has agreed to cease purchasing Russian oil has placed New Delhi in a delicate diplomatic position. India must navigate its historic alliance with Russia while maintaining cooperative relations with the Trump administration. The complexity is heightened by Russia's friendly ties with China, adding layers to India's strategic calculations. This development prompts a re-evaluation of India-Russia ties in light of emerging global realities.
Suryakumar Yadav's Inspirational Comeback Journey
Indian cricketer Suryakumar Yadav's resurgence from a form slump in December is a testament to teamwork and dedication. A WhatsApp group named 'Team Hardwork', comprising club-level cricketers Ankush Jaiswal, Siddhant Adhatrao, and Parikshit Valsangkar, played a pivotal role by offering insights and support. Additionally, a throwdown specialist was enlisted to aid his training.
This unofficial think-tank, now rebranded as 'Probables and Possibles', continues to operate behind the scenes, assisting not only Yadav but also his teammates in achieving their professional goals. Their collaborative efforts underscore the importance of community in athletic success.
Additional News Briefs
India-US Trade Agreement Progress
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced that India and the US are set to formally sign the first tranche of a new trade agreement by mid-March. A joint statement will be released within 4-5 days, leading to a reduction in US tariffs to 18% via a White House executive order. India will gain further concessions post-legal agreement, with a focus on importing energy, data centre equipment, and ICT products as part of a $500 billion purchase commitment.
West Bengal's Fiscal Challenges
The West Bengal government, grappling with a debt exceeding Rs 8 lakh crore, has proposed a 4% hike in dearness allowance for its employees in the interim Budget. Despite a Supreme Court directive to pay 25% of pending dues by March 31, the overall Budget outlay for 2026-27 remains at Rs 4 lakh crore, highlighting the state's financial strain.
Opinion: Retrospective Tax Critique
In an opinion piece, Surjit S. Bhalla criticizes the Union Budget 2026 for introducing a retrospective tax on capital gains from sovereign gold bonds (SGBs). He argues that such measures are greedy, unfair, and detrimental to investor confidence, labeling them as counterproductive to economic growth.
This comprehensive briefing encapsulates the day's pivotal developments, from political confrontations to economic strategies and personal triumphs.
