A New India
Chapter 279 - 279: Bill Passed and Press Conference

Next day carried a sense of inevitability across Delhi.

Knowing what is coming.

As the Parliament was full with anticipation.

After weeks of chaos, debates, and riots, the bill for state reorganization was finally ready to face its ultimate test.

Rohan walked into Parliament with his usual determined gait, his presence commanding immediate attention.

The Speaker, sitting at his elevated chair, called the session to order. "Honorable Members," he began, his voice resonating across the room, "Today, we gather to conclude one of the most pivotal discussions in the history of our nation. The bill for state reorganization is up for voting."

Rohan, seated with his cabinet, exchanged glances with Harish and KP Singh.

They nodded, conveying their confidence.

Neeraj, standing in the visitor's gallery, clenched his fists tightly.

The stakes were monumental.

The Speaker invited any last-minute statements before proceeding to the vote.

A senior independent member from Bihar rose to speak. "Mr. Speaker," he began, adjusting his glasses, "I was skeptical when this bill was introduced. I believed it would divide the country rather than unite it. But after observing the Prime Minister's relentless efforts and the clarity of his vision, I am convinced this is not just a bill, it is a blueprint for India's future. I, therefore, extend my support."

His statement was met with murmurs of agreement from several corners of the house.

Even among the opposition benches, those not implicated in Operation Garbage seemed subdued, unsure of whether to oppose the tide or quietly align themselves with the government.

The Speaker then proceeded to call for the vote. "Members in favor of the State Reorganization Bill, please stand."

Rohan's party members rose in unison, a sea of confidence.

Several independents and a surprising number of opposition MPs joined them.

The Speaker noted the numbers, then called, "Members opposed to the bill, please stand."

Only a handful rose.

The absences in the opposition benches were glaring.

The Speaker nodded gravely and announced, "The bill is passed with a clear majority."

As the announcement echoed across the chamber, applause erupted from Rohan's side of the house.

Rohan stood calmly, his face betraying no emotion, but the slight tightening of his jaw spoke of his satisfaction.

Neeraj rushed to meet him as he exited the chamber. "Sir, congratulations. It's done."

Rohan nodded. "It's not done, Neeraj. It's passed, yes. But the work has only just begun."

----

The press conference was held in the grand hall of Vigyan Bhavan, its walls lined with reporters and cameras from across the world.

The room buzzed with anticipation as Prime Minister Rohan made his way to the podium.

His face was calm, but his eyes betrayed a fiery determination.

Behind him, a large banner displayed the words: "Unity in Diversity: Building India's Future."

The symbolism was not lost on anyone in the room.

As Rohan stepped up to the microphone, the room fell silent.

He scanned the faces before him, taking in the mix of national and international reporters.

He began, his tone direct yet composed. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here today. The State Reorganization Bill, a milestone in India's democratic journey, has been passed. This is not just a legislative act it is a commitment to every Indian citizen that their voices matter, their needs are recognized, and their aspirations are prioritized."

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "The process has not been easy. There has been opposition, confusion, and even violence. But this is democracy. It is messy, it is challenging, but it is always worth fighting for."

A journalist from The Indian Times raised his hand and stood. "Prime Minister, many opposition leaders were absent during the voting. Critics say this undermines the democratic process. How do you respond to that?"

Rohan's gaze sharpened. "That is a valid question," he said. "But let's not confuse accountability with suppression. The individuals who are absent today are not in jail because they opposed me or my government. They are in jail because they incited violence, spread misinformation, and endangered the lives of innocent citizens. Democracy is not an excuse for anarchy. Holding people accountable for their actions is not a violation of democracy, it is its defense."

The journalist sat down, and a reporter from the BBC stood next. "Prime Minister, the international community is watching closely. Some are concerned about the timing of these arrests coinciding with the bill's passage. How do you address these concerns?"

Rohan's expression remained firm. "To my friends in the international community, I say this: India is a sovereign nation. We do not take decisions to please or placate external voices. The timing of the arrests was dictated by evidence, not politics. These were individuals who actively sought to divide our country. If you were in my position, would you have allowed them to roam free?"

A representative from The New York Times spoke next, her tone skeptical. "Prime Minister, with respect, the sheer scale of arrests has led some to question whether this is about governance or consolidating power. Can you assure the world that this is not an abuse of power?"

Rohan took a moment before responding, his voice measured but resolute. "Consolidating power? Let me ask you this: Who has the power in a democracy? It is not the Prime Minister, not the Parliament, it is the people. My power comes from the trust of the Indian people. Every decision I have made has been to honor that trust. If anyone feels differently, they are welcome to bring evidence. But let me be clear this is not about consolidating power; it is about dismantling chaos."

The reporter pressed further. "But don't you worry about the perception that this sets a dangerous precedent?"

Rohan's tone hardened. "Perception is often shaped by those who seek to benefit from distortion. My job is not to manage perceptions. My job is to govern, to protect this nation, and to ensure that its future is secure. If doing the right thing creates a negative perception among some, so be it."

A reporter from The Guardian stood next. "Prime Minister, you have often spoken about unity, yet the bill divides states further. How do you reconcile this with your vision for India?"

Rohan smiled faintly. "A valid point. But let me clarify: the State Reorganization Bill does not divide, it organizes. It ensures that governance is closer to the people, that resources are allocated more efficiently, and that development reaches every corner of this vast and diverse nation. Unity is not about maintaining artificial boundaries; it is about empowering every citizen equally."

The room fell silent for a moment.

Finally, a journalist from All India Radio spoke. "Prime Minister, what is your message to the people of India who are still uncertain about this bill?"

Rohan's gaze softened, and his tone grew more personal. "To my fellow Indians, I understand your fears. Change is never easy, and it often comes with discomfort. But let me ask you this are we willing to stay stuck in the past, or do we dare to dream of a brighter future? This bill is not about dividing you; it is about uniting us as a stronger, more efficient, and more inclusive nation. Trust me, trust this process, and trust that together, we will build a future that our children will be proud of."

As the press conference concluded, applause broke out among some sections of the room.

Rohan stepped down from the podium, his demeanor calm but triumphant.

Neeraj met him backstage. "Sir, I think that went well."

Rohan smirked, wiping his brow. "Well enough. Now let's see how they spin it tomorrow."

Neeraj laughed. "You think they'll spin it?"

"Of course," Rohan replied. "That's their job. But it doesn't matter. The truth is out there, and the people know it. That's all we need."