Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a sharp critique of opposition leaders on Tuesday, particularly targeting Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal, without mentioning their names directly, accusing them of making “false promises.”
In his response to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address in the Lok Sabha, Modi remarked, “We did not offer empty slogans; instead, we have provided genuine development to our citizens.” He highlighted that while slogans like ‘garibi hatao’ (remove poverty) were common five decades ago, his government has successfully lifted 25 crore people out of poverty and provided 4 crore houses to those in need.
Modi emphasized the significance of understanding the struggles of the poor, stating, “Those who have experienced such hardships understand the true value of having a proper roof over their heads. The pain of the poor and the challenges faced by everyday people cannot be simplified; it requires genuine passion, which some seem to lack.” This was a pointed criticism directed at the opposition.
He reiterated his commitment to upholding the principles of the Constitution, stating, “We uphold the spirit of the Constitution and refrain from engaging in divisive politics.” Modi also invoked former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, noting that despite his lofty proclamations about the “21st century,” he failed to address the fundamental issues of the 20th century.
Modi pointedly criticized Gandhi, claiming, “Today, certain individuals echo the sentiments of urban naxals. Those who incite conflict against the Indian State cannot grasp the essence of the Constitution or the unity of our nation.” This reference seemed to be tied to Gandhi’s recent statements regarding the BJP and the current Indian government.
Addressing the issue of poverty, Modi remarked that those who seek photographs with impoverished families may find discussions about the lives of the poor uninteresting. He also highlighted the significance of the triple talaq law, stating, “Those who carry the Constitution in their pockets often overlook the hardships faced by Muslim women, which we sought to alleviate through this legislation.”
In a subtle jab at Kejriwal, Modi remarked that while some leaders are preoccupied with luxury amenities like jacuzzis, his administration is dedicated to ensuring water access for every household. He further stated, “Certain parties, akin to ‘AAP-da’ concerning the youth’s future, frequently promise various benefits during elections but fail to deliver on them. While our government has saved substantial funds through various schemes, we have not squandered it on extravagant projects.”
