On Saturday, Congress leaders sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech in the Lok Sabha, terming his 11 resolutions as “hollow” and accusing the BJP of evading a discussion on the Adani issue despite claiming zero tolerance on corruption.
The opposition party also raised questions over the absence of key BJP leaders during the debate on “The Glorious Journey of 75 Years of the Constitution of India.” They noted that Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were not present when Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi spoke during the two-day debate.
In response to PM Modi’s speech, which was over 110 minutes long, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra compared it to a “double period of mathematics” from school, stating it “bored us.” She also labeled Modi’s 11 resolutions as “hollow,” questioning why the BJP refuses to discuss the Adani issue if it truly has zero tolerance for corruption.”
PM has not said anything new, he has bored us. It felt like I was sitting through that dreaded double period of Mathematics,” she remarked. She further observed that BJP leaders like JP Nadda and Piyush Goyal seemed disengaged during Modi’s speech, which added to the perception that it lacked substance.
Congress general secretary K C Venugopal accused Modi of repeating tired narratives about the Congress instead of addressing pressing issues such as the Adani scandal and the growing social divisions in India. Venugopal stated that the Prime Minister’s speech was a “blame game” and a diversion from the real issues facing the nation.
Venugopal further questioned Modi’s commitment to the Constitution, stating that a Prime Minister whose political mentors had rejected the Constitution would never be seen as loyal to it. He also criticized the absence of top BJP leaders during Rahul Gandhi’s speech, adding that this reflected the government’s lack of respect for opposition voices.”
On a debate about India’s Constitution, the PM once again chose to attack the Congress instead of addressing the injustices and inequality in Indian society,” Venugopal said. He also accused the government of using its entire machinery to favor one individual, referring to the Adani issue.
Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, praised the Congress party for initiating the special discussion on the Indian Constitution, stressing that despite differences, such debates were crucial for the nation. He also noted that the vibrant discussion would not have happened without the foresight of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.
Congress whip Manickam Tagore pointed out the irony of Modi being present during the Prime Minister’s speech but absent when Rahul Gandhi spoke, questioning the Prime Minister’s behavior.”
Why this behavior, Mr Prime Minister?” Tagore asked.
This criticism from the Congress party comes amid ongoing tensions between the opposition and the government, with the Adani issue and the government’s handling of various national concerns remaining central points of contention.