In a fervent address on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi escalated his criticism of the Congress, branding it as "outdated" and accusing it of fabricating divisive narratives to fragment the nation. Emphatically, he pledged the full force of the "Modi 3.0" administration towards propelling India into the realm of a developed nation.
During his rebuttal to the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in Rajya Sabha, the Prime Minister proclaimed that the populace is no longer receptive to entities whose relevance has waned, expressing confidence in the electorate's trust in his leadership. He underlined the forthcoming third term of his government, often dubbed "Modi 3.0," and its unwavering commitment to fortifying the bedrock of a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India).
Throughout his ninety-minute discourse, perceived as his final parliamentary address before the upcoming general elections, Modi targeted the Congress, citing public discontentment with the party's actions and highlighting its diminished presence in the Lok Sabha.
In a subtle jab at Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,' the Prime Minister derided the Congress's endeavors to promote Gandhi as a "Start-Up Yuvraj" but portrayed him as a "non-starter."
Modi asserted that the ideology of the Congress had become obsolete and that the party had resorted to outsourcing its operations. He expressed regret over the decline of a party that had governed India for centuries, extending sympathy towards its diminished stature.
The Prime Minister lambasted the Congress for its alleged historical opposition to marginalized communities and claimed credit for addressing issues lingering from the Congress's past governance.
In response to criticism from the Congress regarding caste-based census and reservation policies, Modi accused the party of relinquishing significant portions of national territory and failing to uphold democratic principles.
Highlighting his government's efforts to alleviate problems inherited from previous administrations, Modi reiterated his commitment to a "Viksit Bharat" while outlining an ambitious agenda for the next five years.
He pledged to prioritize flagship programs aimed at providing essential services to the underprivileged and fostering an environment conducive to innovation and economic growth.
Accusing the Congress of perpetuating divisive rhetoric, Modi admonished the party for sowing regional discord, particularly referencing recent protests by Karnataka's Congress-led government.
Reflecting on the economic challenges faced during the UPA's tenure, Modi cited former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's acknowledgment of widespread public discontentment with governmental malfeasance.
Modi also criticized the Congress for allegedly tarnishing the reputation of President Droupadi Murmu and perpetuating colonial-era symbols and narratives that denigrated traditional Indian values.
In a lighter vein, Modi commended the oratory skills of Mallikarjun Kharge, subtly alluding to Rahul Gandhi's absence and Kharge's role in providing parliamentary entertainment.
(With Agency Inputs)
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