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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the Lok Sabha served as a robust defense of his government's achievements and a sharp critique of the opposition Congress party. His speech, delivered in response to the Motion of Thanks debate on the President's Address, focused heavily on poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and his vision for a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). He meticulously outlined various government schemes, emphasizing their impact on the lives of millions of Indians. The recurring theme throughout his speech was a stark contrast between his government's commitment to tangible progress and what he characterized as the Congress party's reliance on empty slogans and photo opportunities. Modi repeatedly highlighted the substantial numbers – 25 crore people lifted out of poverty, 4 crore houses constructed, and over 12 crore toilets built – showcasing the scale of his government's interventions.
A significant portion of Modi's address was dedicated to dismantling the Congress party's legacy, particularly its record on poverty eradication. He directly challenged the Congress's long-standing claim of prioritizing the poor, asserting that their promises were merely empty slogans while his government delivered real results. His reference to Rajiv Gandhi's infamous statement about corruption within government schemes – that only 15 paise of every rupee reached the intended recipient – served to underscore his point. He juxtaposed this with his government's focus on efficiency and transparency, highlighting initiatives aimed at reducing costs and making services more accessible to the common citizen, such as the reduction in LED bulb prices. The contrast between 'gareebi hatao' (eradicate poverty) slogans and actual implementation became a central narrative in Modi's speech.
Beyond the critique of Congress, Modi also presented a vision for India's future. His emphasis on youth development, technological advancement, and fostering innovation points towards a long-term strategy for national growth. The mention of 'tinkering labs' in schools and the ambitious AI mission highlights his government's commitment to equipping the next generation with the skills needed to compete in a rapidly changing global landscape. He also stressed the importance of upholding the Constitution and criticized those who, in his view, misinterpret its principles and engage in divisive politics. The speech, therefore, transcends a simple political point-scoring exercise; it lays out a comprehensive vision for India’s progress, positioning his government as the driving force behind this transformation. The reference to the next 25 years and the 'Viksit Bharat' goal underscores a long-term commitment to national development.
However, Modi's speech was not without its criticisms. Critics might argue that his emphasis on numerical achievements overlooks the complexities of poverty alleviation and the challenges faced by various marginalized communities. The focus on large-scale projects might overshadow the need for more targeted interventions to address specific regional disparities. Furthermore, the direct attacks on Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party, while effective politically, might be perceived as lacking in substance by those seeking a more nuanced debate on national development. Nevertheless, the speech successfully positioned Modi and his government as agents of significant change, emphasizing the tangible results of their policies while simultaneously critiquing the opposition’s past performance and offering a clear vision for the nation's future.