'BJP-led government takes shantushtikaran approach, not tushtikaran': Modi targets Congress
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress party during his address to the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
He accused the party of not believing in "sabka saath, sabka vikas," or "development for all."
This statement came amid criticism of his administration over the deportation of 104 Indians by the United States.
PM Modi also attacked the Congress for imposing the Emergency under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, claiming it "crushed freedom of speech."
Family 1st
PM Modi accuses Congress of favoring 1 family
Further taking a dig at the Congress for its alleged obsession with one family, PM Modi said, "Family first is on top in the Congress's model...during the Congress's tenure, there was appeasement in everything."
He said unlike this, his government since 2014 has been based on satisfaction, not appeasement.
The PM said his government believes in "nation first" and works for marginalized communities, including OBCs, women, and transgenders.
Ambedkar conspiracy
PM Modi accuses Congress of conspiring against Ambedkar
The prime minister also accused the Congress of conspiring against iconic Dalit leader Dr. BR Ambedkar, saying they once harbored hatred for him.
"But today the Congress is forced to say 'Jai Bhim.'"
PM Modi's speech also touched upon history during Jawaharlal Nehru's tenure as PM.
He spoke about a workers' strike during Nehru's trnure in Mumbai where poet Majrooh Sultanpuri was jailed after reciting a poem and actor Balraj Sahni was jailed for participating in a protest.
Counter-attack
PM Modi's counter-attack against opposition criticism
"Hridaynath Mangeshkarji, brother of (iconic Hindi singer) Lata Mangeshkarji, wanted to sing a song about Veer Savarkar...but was banned from radio," he said.
He also alleged that actor Dev Anand was requested to support the Emergency publicly, he he refused.
"He showed courage, and therefore, all the films of Dev Anand were banned on Doordarshan," PM Modi said.
"Today, the country is taking a sigh of relief after being freed from the clutches of Congress," he went on to say.