Derek O'Brien Criticizes PM Modi Over Parliament Absence

TMC leader Derek O'Brien criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not speaking in Parliament, calling his interview 'hollow words'. The Lok Sabha passed the Motion of Thanks without Modi's customary reply due to Opposition disruptions. Modi lauded economic developments and urged private sector engagement.

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, criticizing him for not addressing Parliament and labeling his recent interview with PTI as filled with 'hollow words'.

O'Brien, speaking as TMC's head in the Rajya Sabha, referred to Modi as a 'teleprompter tycoon' and claimed that the prime minister routinely avoids Parliamentary discussions. This criticism follows an unusual development where the Lok Sabha passed the Motion of Thanks without Modi's customary address, amid ongoing disruptions by Opposition parties.

Despite this, Modi praised recent economic initiatives and trade deals in his PTI interview, projecting them as cornerstones for a 'Viksit Bharat'. He also challenged the previous UPA government's trade record, emphasized the role of women in the nation's future, and highlighted India's strengthened global trade negotiations.

(With inputs from agencies.)