Modi invokes Rajiv Gandhi, Stalin to counter Rahul speech in Parliament

Addressing the house in reply to a motion of thanks to the President’s address, the PM said  India is not Stalin's Russia and people can ask questions, without directly referring to the JNU controversy.

"I want to share my thoughts, not as the PM but as someone who has entered Parliament for the first time," Modi said in the House.

"Why can't we have time set aside where only first time MPs can speak? This will bring a fresh perspective to proceedings," he said.

Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday had attacked the PM over his 'Make In India' initiative.

Hinting at Gandhi's speech, Modi said: "We are mocking things like Make In India? This is for the nation. If there are shortcomings it may be shared and discussed."

Modi said he is learning from the Congress-led UPA government's failure.

"No one will deny that if Congress would have helped the poor in 60 years, the poor wouldn't still be poor," Modi said.

Speaking on the issue of corruption, Modi said: "Kharge-ji said there is corruption in MNREGA and I agree with him. Look at the CAG report of 2012 and the observations made."

 The PM also proposed that March 8 is International Women's Day and on that day only women members should speak in the Parliament.