In a blistering address in the Lok Sabha on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took aim at the Congress party, calling its iconic slogan "Garibi Hatao" the biggest "jumla" (empty promise) in India’s history. Modi claimed that for four generations, the Congress leadership had used the slogan without ever delivering on its promise to eradicate poverty. The Prime Minister's remarks came during his speech commemorating the 75th anniversary of India's Constitution, where he praised the Constitution's role in shaping India’s democratic journey but also delivered a sharp critique of the Congress party’s historical record.
PM Modi celebrates 75 years of India’s constitution
In his speech, PM Modi described the 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution as a moment of great pride, not just for India but for democracy-loving people worldwide. He underscored the extraordinary achievement of 75 years, noting that India’s Constitution had helped the country overcome the doubts and challenges faced at the time of independence. “This achievement of 75 years is not ordinary, it is extraordinary,” Modi said, paying tribute to the citizens of India and the framers of the Constitution for their role in building the nation.
India: ‘Mother of Democracy’
Modi emphasised India’s unique position in the global democratic landscape, calling India not only a large democracy but the “mother of democracy” due to its centuries-old democratic traditions. He praised India for its inclusive democratic values and highlighted the importance of celebrating the country’s diversity as a tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.
Women’s contribution to constitution
The Prime Minister also highlighted the crucial role of women in the framing of India’s Constitution. He pointed out that while many nations granted voting rights to women only decades later, India’s Constitution granted these rights from the very beginning. Modi also noted the rising participation of women in politics, including their growing representation in Parliament and the Council of Ministers.
Sharp criticism of Congress leadership
In a scathing critique, PM Modi accused the Congress party of undermining constitutional principles for political gain. He specifically targeted the party’s historical record, including the imposition of the Emergency in 1975, which he described as a misuse of the Constitution to curtail freedoms and suppress dissent. "The Constitution was torn apart when it was completing 25 years," Modi said, condemning Congress for subverting the democratic process during the Emergency.
Modi also criticised the Congress leadership for manipulating constitutional amendments for political advantage. "The legacy that began with Pandit Nehru was carried forward by Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi continued to attack the Constitution," he remarked, accusing the party of undermining judicial independence and suppressing key verdicts, such as the Shah Bano case.
Congress’s failure on key issues
PM Modi took Congress to task for its handling of issues like the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and reservations for marginalised communities. He accused the Congress of stalling UCC implementation and prioritizing vote bank politics over constitutional principles. “Congress is playing a new, shameless game to please its vote bank by promising religion-based reservations,” Modi asserted.
The Prime Minister also accused Congress of delaying the reservation policy for OBCs until it was ousted from power. "The OBC quota became a reality only after the Congress was removed from power," he added, praising the current government’s efforts in ensuring the empowerment of marginalized communities.
Tribute to Dr. Ambedkar and Constitutional reforms
PM Modi expressed his respect for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision for a unified, diverse India. He praised the Constitution for laying the foundation of India’s unity, emphasizing that unity in diversity remains central to India’s national identity. The Prime Minister also reflected on recent constitutional reforms, including the abrogation of Article 370, which he argued was a roadblock to the country’s unity.
Focus on development and empowerment
PM Modi reiterated that the current government is committed to empowering the poor and marginalized communities, in contrast to the "jumla" of "Garibi Hatao." "While Congress’s slogan remained a 'jumla,' our mission is to uplift the poor," he said, underlining the government's dedication to social welfare and inclusive development.
Reforms for national unity
In his address, Modi also emphasized the importance of constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening India’s unity. He pointed to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a significant step in enhancing the economic unity of India, while also mentioning the creation of a separate ministry for Adivasis by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, a step Congress had neglected for decades.
Encouraging youth participation in politics
PM Modi concluded his speech by urging political parties to encourage youth from non-political families to enter politics, bringing fresh energy and new perspectives to the country’s political system. He also proposed 11 resolutions before Parliament, including a commitment to zero tolerance for corruption, ensuring reservation benefits are maintained, and working towards the development of all sections of society.
The future of India’s Democracy
PM Modi’s address celebrated the success of India's Constitution over the past 75 years while offering a sharp critique of Congress's historical failings. His call for unity, diversity, and an unwavering commitment to the Constitution resonated with his vision of a stronger, more inclusive India.
