Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke for 2 hours and 13 minutes in reply to the no-confidence motion that was defeated with the Opposition walking out. Some Right-wing social media posts claimed Modi broke Lal Bahadur Shastri’s speech record by duration.

Modi spoke about Manipur for around 5 minutes and again for 30 seconds. A figurative representation of what it felt like to wait for Modi to speak on the Manipur carnage:

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah bla blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah.

One hour, 33 minutes gone. And then, the PM says:

If they (the Opposition) had agreed to the home minister’s offer to have a discussion on Manipur, then there could have been an exclusive discussion on Manipur. There could have been a discussion on all aspects. And, they too would have got an opportunity to flag all issues but they were not interested in a discussion.

Yesterday, when Amit-bhai presented a detailed account, the nation was surprised that they could spread so many lies. They have committed such sins. When they have brought a no-confidence motion and spoken on every issue, then it is the responsibility of the Treasury benches to demonstrate the country’s trust and empower the trust. It is our responsibility to give a fitting reply to the no-confidence motion. We had invited them to have a stand-alone discussion on Manipur.

The home minister had given it in writing that he was prepared for a discussion. It is an issue related to his ministry but they did not have the courage. They did not have the intent, and they had sinned. Home minister Amit Shah had given a detailed account of the Manipur situation yesterday for two hours without once politicising the issue. He reflected the concern of the government and the country.

There was also an effort to make the people aware. There was also an intent to send a message from the entire House to Manipur. It was a sincere effort to find a solution to the situation in the interest of Manipur and the country. But, because they had no intention other than play politics, they did this. Yesterday, Amit-bhai gave all the details.

There was a court judgment on Manipur. We know what is happening in the courts. Violence began as a result and a number of families have faced difficulties. Many lost their loved ones. Serious crimes were committed against women. The central and state governments are together working to give the severest punishment to the perpetrators.

I want to assure all citizens, peace will return to Manipur in the near future because of the kind of efforts being made. Manipur will again march forward with new confidence. I want to appeal to the people of Manipur — the mothers, sisters and daughters — the country is with you.

This House is with you. We will together — irrespective of whether all are here or not — find a solution to this challenge. Peace will return. I want to assure the people of Manipur that it will return to the track of speedy development. There will be no let-up in our effort.

Modi returns to Manipur again towards the end of his speech:

There have been greater problems than Manipur in the past but we have found a way out together. Let’s work together. Let’s instil confidence in the people of Manipur. At least don’t misuse Manipur for political games. What happened there is sorrowful. Understand the pain and act like a balm. This should be our path.