Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took strong jabs at the Congress party during his reply to the motion of thanks on the President’s Address in the Rajya Sabha. He accused the party of “hatred and anger” toward BR Ambedkar and highlighted its historical ties to the “licence raj” and “appeasement politics.” Modi emphasized that the BJP-led government’s approach is focused on the welfare of the poor, marginalized, and the middle class, with a collective responsibility for “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”
The Prime Minister praised the President’s speech as inspirational and effective, guiding the nation forward. Referring to the Congress, he remarked that the party’s model of politics revolves around “lies, corruption, family, and appeasement.” He stated that expecting Congress to embrace “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” was unrealistic, asserting that the party’s priorities are centered around one family rather than national progress.
PM Modi also addressed Congress’s alleged disregard for Ambedkar’s legacy, accusing them of showing “anger and hatred” toward the Dalit leader. He pointed out that the Congress never conferred the Bharat Ratna on Ambedkar and attempted to block his political success. He claimed that Congress only began using the “Jai Bhim” slogan due to political pressure, displaying their tendency to change positions for convenience.
The Prime Minister further criticized Congress for destabilizing elected governments in the past and for impeding the progress of others rather than focusing on improving itself. Modi expressed disappointment in the party’s current state, given its once-important role in India’s freedom struggle.
He also recalled instances from India’s history when the Congress government suppressed freedom of expression. He mentioned the imprisonment of poet Majrooh Sultanpuri and actor Balraj Sahni, as well as singer Kishore Kumar’s songs being banned for refusing to support the ruling party. The PM pointed out how India’s democratic fabric was eroded during the Emergency, with figures like Dev Anand and Kishore Kumar facing repercussions for their opposition to the regime.
Modi also took a lighthearted dig at Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and his recitation of a poem by Gopaldas Neeraj, implying that such praise would not be heard in Congress. He responded humorously to Kharge’s remarks, further criticizing Congress’s performance.
On policy matters, PM Modi emphasized that the BJP-led NDA government’s approach is focused on “shantushtikaran” (total satisfaction), not “tushtikaran” (appeasement). He noted that the government has worked to ensure that India’s resources are optimally utilized, pointing to the constitutional recognition of the OBC Commission as a significant achievement. He also highlighted the government’s focus on empowering the poor through initiatives like tax relief for the middle class and support for various industries such as leather, footwear, and toys.
The Prime Minister also discussed the development of border villages, which had long been neglected by previous governments. He praised the government’s targeted approach, with Cabinet ministers staying in these villages to address local issues directly.
Modi spoke at length about the transformative shift since 2014, noting that India’s growth has accelerated due to the dismantling of the restrictive “license raj.” He remarked on the bureaucratic challenges of the past, including the long waiting times for basic items like cement, scooters, and gas cylinders, which stifled economic growth. He emphasized that these policies led to the “Hindu rate of growth,” which was a result of incompetence and corruption.
The Prime Minister also discussed India’s rise as a global economic power, citing the success of initiatives like “Make in India” and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. He celebrated India’s growing export capabilities, particularly in mobile phones and defense products, and pointed to the significant rise in Khadi’s production and sales as evidence of the government’s support for local industries.
In closing, PM Modi reiterated that India’s progress is the collective responsibility of all citizens. He stressed the importance of a united vision for development, with the middle class and youth driving the nation’s future. He warned that extreme negativity and attempts to undermine others would only hinder progress, urging the nation to focus on its shared mission of development.
The motion of thanks was adopted by the Rajya Sabha following PM Modi’s response, with the Lok Sabha having already adopted it earlier in the week.
