'17th Lok Sabha achieved things that generations couldn't': PM Modi

Delivering his last speech to the members of the 17th Lok Sabha on its concluding session before the upcoming general elections, he said, "These five years were about reform, perform and transform in the country... Many reforms, that were game-changers, happened during this year."

Modi said the country is "moving towards a change," citing issues like the abrogation of Article 370 and criminalisation of Triple Talaq to hosting the prestigious G20 meet.

"Everyone knew that we needed a new building. Everyone felt that it was necessary, but no decision was made on it. We took a firm decision on it and because of that, we are holding sessions in the new Parliament today," PM Modi said.

He also highlighted the government's focus on marginalised communities, underscoring efforts towards inclusion such as issuing identity cards to 17,000 transgender individuals and conferring Padma awards upon transgender individuals.

Addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, PM Modi acknowledged it as the "biggest crisis of the century" and commended Speaker Om Birla for ensuring that parliamentary proceedings continued smoothly without compromising the dignity of the House.

He highlighted Birla's initiative to align the prices of food in the parliament canteen with those of eateries outside.

However, the highlight of the tenure was deemed to be the revocation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

"Many generations dreamed that there would be one constitution for the entire country but this house made it reality by scrapping Article 370. People who had played a part in creating the Constitution must be blessing us today. The people of Kashmir were distant from social justice. Today, we took it to them," he said.