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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the Lok Sabha on Tuesday served as a robust defense of his government's achievements and a pointed critique of the opposition, particularly the Congress party. His speech, delivered in response to the Motion of Thanks debate on the President's Address, focused heavily on the theme of poverty alleviation and the overarching vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). Modi emphasized the significant strides made in lifting millions out of poverty, citing figures to bolster his claims. He contrasted this with what he characterized as the Congress party's reliance on empty slogans and a lack of meaningful action during their tenure. The Prime Minister highlighted various government initiatives, such as housing schemes providing 4 crore houses and sanitation programs constructing over 12 crore toilets, as tangible evidence of their commitment to improving the lives of the underprivileged. He underscored the transformative impact of these programs, particularly for women, who he noted had previously faced immense hardship due to inadequate sanitation facilities. The emotional resonance of his message aimed to connect with the lived experiences of the poor, contrasting their struggles with the perceived opulent lifestyles of opposition leaders.
A significant portion of Modi's speech was dedicated to directly and indirectly criticizing the Congress party and its leaders. He used sharp rhetoric to contrast his government's focus on essential services with what he portrayed as the opposition's superficial engagement with poverty. His pointed remarks about 'photo sessions' in poor people's huts, aimed at Rahul Gandhi, served to highlight the perceived disconnect between the Congress party's rhetoric and its actions. Moreover, Modi dredged up past controversies, referencing Rajiv Gandhi's statement about the leakage of funds in government schemes to underscore the alleged corruption and inefficiency of previous Congress administrations. This strategic use of past grievances sought to reinforce the narrative of his government as a clean and efficient alternative. The consistent invocation of past failures aimed to solidify the image of his government as a decisive force for change, actively addressing long-standing national challenges that were allegedly ignored or mishandled by previous governments.
Beyond the political sparring, Modi's address also presented a forward-looking vision for India's future. He emphasized the importance of the President's address in setting the agenda for the next 25 years, reiterating the goal of achieving a 'Viksit Bharat'. This vision encompassed a range of policy initiatives, from economic reforms aimed at benefiting the middle class (such as tax reforms and reductions in the price of LED bulbs) to investments in youth development and technological innovation. He highlighted initiatives like the establishment of tinkering labs in schools and the focus on artificial intelligence as indicators of India's technological advancement and potential. The mention of the 'Make in India' initiative, indirectly responding to recent criticism from the Congress party, further underscored the economic ambitions of the government. The overall tone of the address aimed to project an image of confident leadership, steering India toward a future marked by technological prowess, economic prosperity, and inclusive social development. He contrasted this positive vision with what he depicted as the negative and divisive politics of the opposition, positioning his government as the guarantor of India's future progress and stability.