* It is after a long time that a government with a full majority was elected once again with a full majority. In this mandate we see the desire of the people for stability. Infact, this trend of stable governments is being seen in various states too.

* I was saddened when some leaders said- the BJP and allies won the elections but the nation lost, democracy lost. I want to clearly say that such statements are unfortunate. Why question the wisdom of voters.

* Do our friends in the Congress feel if they do not win, India does not win? Are India and the Congress the same thing? No, they are not. Important to respect our electoral process and democracy.

* Some people kept talking about the EVM issue in this House. There was a time when we had just two MPs and the people in the House ridiculed us. But in that negative atmosphere we didn't give up and revived our party. We didn't make excuses. Such excuses demoralise their own workers.

* Let us appreciate how our electoral processes have improved. In the 1950s the polling process took so much time. Violence and booth capturing were common in some places. Now, the news is about rising turnout. This is a healthy sign.

* India's massive electoral process should be celebrated. Earlier there were three primary headlines during the elections about how much violence was perpetrated, how many people died and booth capturing. But since the democratic practices have been correctly implemented, some people have been losing the elections.

* The Election Commission invited parties on the issue of EVMs and only two parties went- CPI and NCP. I appreciate them for going to the EC to learn more about the issue. But, why did the rest of the parties questioning the EVMs not even go, they should answer.

* EVM was first discussed in 1977. In 1988, we were not in the House but those present here approved EVMs. It was Congress. They have won elections with EVMs. But now Congress is blaming EVMs for its loss.

* The Election Commission invited parties on the issue of EVMs and only two parties went- CPI and NCP. I appreciate them for going to the EC to learn more about the issue. But, why did the rest of the parties questioning the EVMs not even go, they should answer.

* Those opposing EVMs are not only opposed to EVMs. They have problems with technology, digital transactions, Aadhaar, GST, Bhim App. Why such negativity? This negativity was one of the chief reasons why some parties have not been able to win people's trust.

* There is something wrong with the Congress. It won for so many years but couldn't digest the victory. Now it has been losing since 2014 and is not able to handle the defeat either. We are seeing this same attitude when it comes to discussing 'One Nation, One Election.'

* Some may not like the idea of simultaneous elections . But, it is important to present these ideas and have discussions on the subject.

* Now, they are slamming 'New India'. Do they want old India back? Old India where cabinet decisions were torn in press meets, old India where Navy was used for personal trips, old India where numerous scams existed,old India which supported tukde tukde gang?

* The lynching in Jharkhand has pained me . It has saddened others too. But, some people in the Rajya Sabha are calling Jharkhand a hub of lynching. Is this fair? Why are they insulting a state. None of us have the right to insult the state of Jharkhand.

* I think Azad sahab's (Ghulam Nabi Azad) vision is blurred which is why sees everything from political spectacles. Ghalib said something for such people, "ta umr Ghalib ye bhool karta raha, dhool chehre pe thi,aaina saaf karta raha," (You spent your life repeating the same mistake; cleaning the mirror when dust was on your face).

* Rajiv Gandhi government accepted National Register of Citizens (NRC) as part of the Assam Accord. Why are you (Congress) not taking the credit for it now? For us this is not politics. This is about unity of India and we will implement the NRC with diligence.

* We still believe that if Jawaharlal Nehru was not the first Prime Minister, Kashmir would not have been in such a state, the condition of our villagers would have been better. Sardar Patel should have been the first Prime Minister. He was made the first home minister and was loyal to the Congress. But he is only visible during elections in Gujarat and nowhere else in the country.

* None of the Congress leaders have even once visited Sardar Patel's statue, the statue of unity. I would like to say to Ghulam Nabi ji,"Kuch din bitaiye Gujarat me" (spend some days in Gujarat).

* The need of the hour is to strengthen Ayushman Bharat. We want our poor to get top quality and affordable treatment.

* The deaths in Bihar due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome are unfortunate and a matter of shame for us. We have to take this seriously. I am in constant touch with the state Govt and I am sure we will collectively come out of this crisis soon.

* There are 226 districts in the country where there is water crisis. Now I am trying to mobilize everyone to tackle this, how we can give priority to water in MPLAD funds. We also have to make society aware on water issues. A Jal Shakti ministry has also been setup.



In Video: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses Rajya Sabha