PM Modi Calls Congress’ ‘Black Paper’ A “Kaala Teeka” While Bidding Farewell To Retiring RS Members

As he said goodbye to Rajya Sabha members who were retiring on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi complimented his predecessor Manmohan Singh for his contributions to the House and sarcastically criticized the Congress after Mallikarjun Kharge published a “black paper” criticizing the Center for its shortcomings over the previous ten years. PM Modi thanked Congress President while reffering ‘black paper’ as “kaala teeka” (to ward off the evil eye). He said, “I thank (Mallikarjun) Kharge ji for doing this honour today.”

Congress’ ‘Black Paper’ called “Kaala Teeka” by PM Modi

Congress President Kharge released a ‘black paper’ earlier on Thursday to draw attention to the “failures” of the Modi government. According to Kharge, the country has been plagued by “discrimination” against non-BJP states, rising prices, unemployment, and institutional subversion over the past ten years. In reply, Modi said, “When the country is touching new heights in the last 10 years, we take it as ‘kala teeka’ to help ward off the evil eye.”

He said that Kharge, being an elder, had placed this “kaala teeka” for the good work our government is doing to further the development of our nation. Additionally, Modi brought up the black robes that opposition MPs had earlier worn in the House as a symbol of protest.  “We also saw a fashion parade in the Rajya Sabha when some members came in black clothes,” the PM said.

In an effort to draw lessons, Kharge published a 54-page “charge sheet” that implicated the Center before the government presented a “white paper” to Parliament on the “mismanagement” of the economy prior to 2014.

Also Read: PM Modi Acknowledges Manmohan Singh’s Contributions Despite Ideological Differences

68 members retiring from Rajya Sabha

All retiring members received best wishes from Modi, who also expressed the hope that their experiences will be beneficial to future generations.

Sixty-eight members of the Rajya Sabha are retiring between February and May after completing their term. Referring to Modi’s 90-minute reply to the Motion of Thanks on President’s Address in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Kharge said, “He (PM Modi) didn’t mention the employment generated by the public sectors like HAL, BHEL which were established during Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s tenure.”