NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, replying to the Motion of Thanks debate in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, underscored his government’s achievements in poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and its vision for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). He also took an indirect swipe at Opposition leaders, contrasting their lifestyles with his administration’s focus on essential services.
On his 14th address
“I am very fortunate that the people of the country have given me the opportunity for the 14th time to reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address. So, I respectfully express gratitude to the people,” Modi said.
He further emphasized the importance of the President’s speech, saying, “Her Address strengthens the resolve of Viksit Bharat, builds new confidence, and inspires the common people.”
On poverty eradication
“For five decades, you heard slogans of poverty eradication, but now, 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty. When schemes are implemented with dedication, a sense of belonging, and deep sensitivity, this transformation happens,” PM Modi said.
On Housing and Sanitation for the Poor
PM Modi highlighted his government’s efforts in improving the lives of the underprivileged. “Till now, the poor have been given 4 crore houses. Those who have lived difficult lives only understand the value of getting a home,” he said.
“Not everyone can understand the difficulty of living under thatched roof and moments when dreams are crushed,” PM said.
Speaking about sanitation, he added, “The women in the past suffered a lot due to the lack of a toilet system. Those who have these facilities cannot understand the problems of those who are suffering. We have built more than 12 crore toilets.”
On social media and priorities
Taking an indirect dig at the Opposition, PM Modi said, “There is talk on social media about leaders focused on jacuzzis and stylish showers, but our focus is on providing water to every home.”
On Rahul Gandhi and ‘photo sessions’ in poor people’s huts
In a direct attack on Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Modi remarked, “Those who have photo sessions in the huts of the poor for their own entertainment will find the mention of the poor in Parliament boring.”
On corruption and past leadership
Modi also referred to past governance issues, taking aim at former Congress governments. “There was a fashion to call one PM ‘Mr Clean,’ but he admitted that if Re 1 is sent from Delhi, people got only 15 paise,” Modi said, referencing Rajiv Gandhi’s infamous statement about corruption in government schemes.
PM Modi said, “A PM was there in our country who identified one problem and said that when One Rupee was sent from Delhi, only 15 paise reached the bottom…who was getting the 15 paise this everyone can understand…at that time there was only party from the panchayat level to the central level…We tried to find a solution, and our model is ‘Bhachat bhi Vikas bhi”Janata ka janata ke kaam’…we made…”
On India’s next 25 years
Reflecting on India’s future, Modi remarked, “We are in 2025. In a way, 25% of the 21st century has gone by. Only time will decide what happened after independence in the 20th century and the first 25 years of the 21st century. But if we minutely study the President’s Address, it is clear that she spoke about building trust among people regarding the coming 25 years and Viksit Bharat.”
His speech came a day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi slammed the government over economic policies, including Make in India.