'Sabka Vikaas' not a slogan but 'Modi's guarantee': PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday replied to the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The speech in the Upper House comes two days after the prime minister replied to the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address in Lok Sabha. This will be his last address in the Rajya Sabha before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Watch: PM Modi's address in the Rajya Sabha
Modi takes a dig at Congress
Training his guns on the Congress during his speech, PM Modi accused the party of creating narratives to divide the country. The PM said that the Congress is now trying to create a north-south divide. He also took a dig at party chief Mallikarjun Kharge's move from Lok Sabha to Rajya Sabha.
'Mamata said Congress won't cross 40...': PM
PM Modi took a cue from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to mock the Congress, just ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha election scheduled in less than two months. He predicted the party's performance in the upcoming 2024 general elections, saying, "Mamata Banerjee said Congress won't cross 40, I pray that you save even 40 seats."
'India a fragile economy under Congress's rule'
PM Modi said that under the 10 years of Congress rule, India was among the fragile 5 economies. "Look at the 10-year history of Congress, (India) was among the fragile five economies. However, look at our 10 years, we are among the top five economies. We brought the country out of this after a lot of hard work," he added.
Congress remained inspired by British: Modi
The prime minister also accused the Congress of remaining inspired by the British and perpetuating symbols of slavery for decades. "Congress gave such narratives that those following Indian traditions were looked down upon," he said. The PM also said that while the Congress party had ceded significant portions of the country's land to the enemy, it now attempts to deliver lectures on internal security.
PM Modi says Nehru was against quotas, backward classes
During his speech, the PM talked about India's first PM Jawaharlal Nehru's "opposition to quotas and backwardness." He criticized the Congress for maintaining Article 370, which he claimed deprived Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Castes (SC) in Jammu and Kashmir of their entitlements. He said his government's decision to revoke Article 370, securing the rights of ST and SC communities in the region.
PM highlights success stories of BSNL and HAL
PM Modi sharply rebutted Congress allegations by highlighting the success stories of state-owned enterprises, especially the turnaround of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). He also referenced Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) record manufacturing achievements, emphasizing the positive strides achieved under his government's leadership.
PM on 'Vocal for Local'
In his speech, PM Modi said, "Congress spread the narrative, as a result of which people who believed in Indian culture and values started being viewed with an inferiority complex...the world knows very well where its narrative was coming... 'Made in Foreign' was made a status symbol." "These people can never talk about 'Vocal for Local' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'," he added.
State's development to aid nation's development: Modi
In Rajya Sabha, Modi said, "My mantra was the same at that time (as the then Gujarat CM) and even today, desh ke vikas ke liye rajya ka vikas." "We will be able to develop the nation only through the development of the states. I assure you that if the state walks one step, it gives (country) the strength to walk two steps."
Watch: PM's address in Rajya Sabha
Modi government to return for 3rd term: PM
The prime minister on Wednesday reiterated that his government is set to return for the third term. He said, "Modi 3.0 will work for the development of the country with all its might." PM Modi also listed out his government's plan for the next five years. On Monday, the PM said that the Bharatiya Janata Party will win 370 seats in the 2024 polls.
