Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday highlighted the five reforms during the five years of the BJP government in the Lok Sabha. "These five years were about reform, perform and transform the country. It is very rare that both reform and perform take place and we can see the transformation right in front of our eyes," he said.

"The country is experiencing this through the 17th Lok Sabha and I firmly believe that the country will continue to bless the 17th Lok Sabha," the PM added.

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Expressing gratitude to Speaker of the lower house Om Birla, PM said that Birla's smile never faded. 

"You were ever-smiling. Your smile never faded. You guided this House in a balanced and impartial manner in several instances, for this, I appreciate you. There were moments of anger, allegations but you controlled the situation patiently and ran the House and guided us. I express my gratitude to you for this," he said.

PM Modi said that it is an important day in the great tradition of democracy. "In five years of the 17th Lok Sabha, several important decisions have been taken and facing several challenges everyone according to their capability tried to give right direction to the country," he said.

"In a way, it is a day to rededicate ourselves to the country after five years of ideological journey and time devoted to the service of the country," he added. The Prime Minister said that the 17th Lok Sabha had 97 per cent productivity.

The budget session of Parliament began on January 31 and was extended by a day till February 10. This is the last session of Lok Sabha before the general elections expected in April-May this year.


(With inputs from ANI)