By The Sampadak Express
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech in the Lok Sabha, during the Budget session, saw him reflecting on his government’s achievements and attacking the opposition. Responding to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, Modi emphasized the government’s work in improving the lives of the poor, particularly through the provision of housing and sanitation. He claimed that the Modi government has provided 4 crore houses to the poor and over 12 crore toilets, stressing that those who haven’t experienced such hardships cannot understand the real value of these initiatives.
The Prime Minister also took a direct jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, stating, “Those who have photo sessions in the huts of the poor, for their own entertainment, will find the mention of the poor in Parliament boring.” This remark followed Rahul Gandhi’s speech the previous day, in which he criticized the government’s “Make in India” initiative and its impact on the manufacturing sector. Gandhi had also called for a caste census and proposed using artificial intelligence for such data collection.
PM Modi, in response, noted the government’s focus on long-term development, contrasting it with the opposition’s approach. He mocked former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, pointing out his famous comment about the inefficiency of welfare schemes. Modi reminded the House of the NDA government’s model of “Bhachat bhi Vikas bhi” (Savings and Development), adding that the previous administration failed to provide basic needs for the 20th century, let alone the 21st.
The Prime Minister outlined the government’s key initiatives:
The substantial increase in medical colleges, from 387 before 2014 to 780 now, with significant growth in the number of MBBS seats available for SC, ST, and OBC students.
The implementation of schemes like Ayushman Bharat, which is now connected to over 30,000 hospitals, benefiting millions, especially in cancer treatment. Modi also highlighted provisions in the Budget for new daycare centres for cancer patients.
The success of initiatives like LED bulb distribution, which has saved citizens around Rs 20,000 crore by lowering energy costs, and efforts to provide clean water and toilets in rural areas.
The PM also criticized those who have dismissed the need for caste-based measures, pointing out the NDA government’s work towards giving constitutional status to the OBC Commission. He further emphasized that the government’s focus has always been on marginalized communities and their upliftment.
Referring to Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said that for seven decades, the region had been deprived of its constitutional rights, an injustice corrected by the NDA government. He condemned divisive language used by some opposition members, asserting that the government is focused on strengthening the nation’s unity.
PM Modi also shared his vision for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), emphasizing the government’s drive towards development for all sectors, including agriculture, women’s empowerment, and the MSME sector. He highlighted progress in farming, job creation, and expanding India’s connectivity, especially through metro projects in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
On the issue of global exports, Modi spoke of promoting “Made in India” products like toys, textiles, and electronics, making the country’s identity a symbol of quality worldwide.
Concluding, Modi reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring India’s status as a developed nation by 2047, urging MPs to set aside political differences and work collectively for the country’s prosperity.
The speech, though filled with achievements, was also marked by sharp criticisms of the opposition’s stance on various issues, reinforcing the Modi government’s focus on development, national unity, and its roadmap for India’s future.
