New Delhi India - In a fiery speech at the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a comprehensive critique of the opposition, particularly targeting Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Party, while asserting the BJP government's commitment to constitutional values and national development.
The Prime Minister strongly condemned what he termed as "urban Naxal" rhetoric, stating, "It is unfortunate that today some people are speaking the language of urban Naxals openly, challenging the Indian state and declaring a fight against it. Those who speak this language neither understand the Constitution nor the unity of the nation."
This statement comes in the wake of Rahul Gandhi's controversial remarks on January 15, where he claimed that "the BJP and RSS have captured every single institution, and we are now fighting the BJP, the RSS, and the Indian State itself." Gandhi's statement led to legal consequences, with an FIR being registered against him at the Pan Bazar Police Station in Guwahati.
Modi defended his government's approach, emphasizing constitutional principles. "We live by the spirit of the Constitution, and that is why we make strong decisions. Our Constitution does not give the right to discriminate," he asserted. He also highlighted what he described as historical injustices towards Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, claiming his government has rectified past wrongs.
Taking aim at opposition tactics, Modi accused rival parties of deceiving youth with unfulfilled promises. "We have been working continuously by keeping the future of youth in mind. But there are a few parties that are deceiving the youth," he said, describing such parties as an "aapda" (disaster) for youth's future.
The Prime Minister did not spare personal jabs, mocking Rahul Gandhi's parliamentary conduct and alleged poverty tourism. "Those who entertain themselves by getting photo sessions done in huts of the poor will find the talk about the poor in Parliament boring," he remarked.
In a thinly veiled criticism of Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Modi contrasted governmental priorities: "Some leaders focus on jacuzzi and stylish showers while our focus is on providing water to every household."
Highlighting his government's achievements, Modi claimed significant poverty alleviation, stating that 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty – a stark contrast to the Congress party's long-standing "Garibi Hatao" (Remove Poverty) slogan. "The one who has lived that kind of life knows what it means to have a house with a proper roof," he added.
The speech, delivered with characteristic confidence, signals the BJP's aggressive stance ahead of the upcoming general elections. Modi concluded by thanking the people for giving him the opportunity to respond to the President's Address in Lok Sabha 14 times, reflecting his government's self-perceived effectiveness.
As political temperatures rise, the exchange between Modi and the opposition continues to underscore the deep ideological divides shaping India's current political landscape.
