NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took a sharp dig at the Congress and the Gandhi family during his speech in the Rajya Sabha, accusing them of being “habitual thieves” and alleging that they had even “stolen” Mahatma Gandhi’s surname.”For some people, stealing is a family profession. What’s shocking is that those habitual thieves have also stolen surname of a Gujarati, Mahatma Gandhi,” PM Modi said amid sloganeering and a walkout by the opposition members. Lok Sabha Passes President’s Address Without PM’s Reply For The First Time Since 2004 Amid Standoff Further taking a “start up” dig at the Congress party, and and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, the prime minister alleged that the party never encouraged a startup culture and mocked its leadership.”Congress never promoted startup culture… They cannot even lift the startup of their own house,” PM Modi said.He also targeted Rahul over his remarks made in the House a day earlier, referring to him as the Congress “Yuvraj”. “What happened yesterday, the ‘Yuvraj’ of Congress who has ‘shaatir dimag’, called an MP of this House ‘traitor’. His arrogance is at its peak,” PM Modi said.Also read: ‘Congress hates Sikhs’: PM Modi slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘traitor’ remarkHe alleged that the comment was selectively directed at a Sikh MP. “He did not call anyone else who has left the Congress a traitor. But he called the MP a traitor, because he is a Sikh. This was an insult to the Sikhs, an insult to the Gurus. This was an expression of the hatred for Sikhs that is filled in the Congress,” the prime minister said.”He is a member of a family who sacrificed themselves for the country. Just because he changed his political ideology, he became a traitor? This is not a small word. How can the country tolerate a citizen being called a traitor?” he added. Calling the episode “highly unfortunate”, the prime minister added, “Such people will sink Congress.”Also read: ‘I eat 2kg of gaalis daily’: In light moment during RS speech, PM Modi reveals ‘health secret’About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Sit And Protest’: PM Modi Unfazed By Slogans, Takes Dig At Kharge As Opposition Walks Out Of RS’PM Hiding Behind Speaker’: Priyanka Gandhi Slams Om Birla’s Remark On Modi’s Lok Sabha Speech SkipWorld Praises India-US Trade Deal: PM Modi Tells Rajya Sabha Youth Will Gain Global Opportunities’Women MPs Near PM’s Chair’: Speaker Om Birla Reveals Why PM Modi Skipped Lok Sabha Speech’India Open To Explore Commercial Merits Of Venezuela Oil Import’: MEA On Trump’s Russian Oil ClaimIndia Shifts Trade Focus To Gulf Bloc After US And EU Deals, Piyush Goyal Announces Fresh FTA PushRajya Sabha Explodes As Nadda, Mallikarjun Kharge Trade Barbs Over Rahul Gandhi, ‘Gag’ On OppositionArt of the deal: How India turned from Maharaja of tariffs to king of dealsIndia And US Close In On Trade Deal, Union Minister Piyush Goyal Says Signing Likely By Mid-MarchMumbai-Pune Expressway Nightmare Ends After 32 Hours Exposing Gaps In Emergency Response123Photostories8 quick vegetarian air fryer dishes you can make in under 10 minutesFrom a lavish house in Dubai to net worth: Tejasswi Prakash and Karan Kundrra’s luxurious lifestyle5 countries where tourist travel is extremely restrictedZeenat Aman, Rekha, Waheeda Rehman, Madhubala: Rare, unseen moments of Bollywood’s most iconic leading ladiesAnanya Panday, Sara Ali Khan, Mouni Roy and Raveena Tandon: Celebrities who proudly display their Shiv bhakti sideAbhishek Bachchan birthday special: Must-watch films on OTT including ‘Guru’, ‘Dasvi’, ‘Manmarziyaan’, ‘Ludo’ and ‘Ghoomer’Kangana Ranaut is owning Parliament style again: 5 saree looks that made everyone stop scrollingValentine’s Week 2026: 7 romantic desserts to celebrate every day leading up to Valentine’s DayFrom Kirron Kher to Hina Khan: TV celebrities who fought and survived cancerWhat is RERA and what role it plays in the Real Estate sector123Hot PicksBudget 2026Gold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionGCC Unified Visa 2026Income Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingNBA Trade NewsNBA Trade UpdateNew Jersey Devils TradeStefon DiggsFramber ValdezWPL Final PreviewHarmanpreet KaurDeontay WilderBrad MarchandChris Paul
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took a sharp dig at the Congress and the Gandhi family during his speech in the Rajya Sabha, accusing them of being “habitual thieves” and alleging that they had even “stolen” Mahatma Gandhi’s surname.“For some people, stealing is a family profession. What’s shocking is that those habitual thieves have also stolen surname of a Gujarati, Mahatma Gandhi,” PM Modi said amid sloganeering and a walkout by the opposition members.
Further taking a “start up” dig at the Congress party, and and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, the prime minister alleged that the party never encouraged a startup culture and mocked its leadership.“Congress never promoted startup culture… They cannot even lift the startup of their own house,” PM Modi said.He also targeted Rahul over his remarks made in the House a day earlier, referring to him as the Congress “Yuvraj”. “What happened yesterday, the ‘Yuvraj’ of Congress who has ‘shaatir dimag’, called an MP of this House ‘traitor’. His arrogance is at its peak,” PM Modi said.Also read: ‘Congress hates Sikhs’: PM Modi slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘traitor’ remarkHe alleged that the comment was selectively directed at a Sikh MP. “He did not call anyone else who has left the Congress a traitor. But he called the MP a traitor, because he is a Sikh. This was an insult to the Sikhs, an insult to the Gurus. This was an expression of the hatred for Sikhs that is filled in the Congress,” the prime minister said.“He is a member of a family who sacrificed themselves for the country. Just because he changed his political ideology, he became a traitor? This is not a small word. How can the country tolerate a citizen being called a traitor?” he added. Calling the episode “highly unfortunate”, the prime minister added, “Such people will sink Congress.”Also read: ‘I eat 2kg of gaalis daily’: In light moment during RS speech, PM Modi reveals ‘health secret’
