PM Modi's Fiery Rajya Sabha Address: Counters Opposition Slogan, Touts Global Trade Achievements
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched one of his most pointed attacks against the Congress party during his reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address in Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The Prime Minister directly addressed the controversial slogan "Modi teri kabr khudegi" (Modi, your grave will be dug) that has been used by some critics, mentioning it a remarkable 21 times throughout his speech.
Political Confrontation and Constitutional Concerns
Modi framed the slogan as emerging from bitterness among those who believed the Prime Minister's position was reserved for their family dynasty. "Those who think the PM post is meant only for their family are bitter that I not only reached this office but continue to serve here," he stated emphatically. The Prime Minister connected the opposition's criticism to his government's major policy initiatives, including the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, establishing peace in the North-East, combating Maoist extremism, and conducting Operation Sindoor against terror bases in Pakistan.
The parliamentary proceedings saw significant disruption, with the Opposition protesting and eventually walking out during Modi's speech. At one point, the Prime Minister even invited protesting members to return to their seats and continue their demonstration while allowing him to speak. He characterized the previous day's adjournment of Lok Sabha amid Congress protests as "an insult to an Adivasi woman President and the Constitution itself."
Global Economic Positioning and Domestic Development
Shifting from political confrontation to economic vision, Prime Minister Modi highlighted his government's success in securing nine significant trade agreements, including those with the European Union and the United States. "The world considers India a 'vishwamitra' (world friend) and 'vishwabandhu' (world relative)," he declared, emphasizing that these trade deals have "opened the world markets" for Indian youth. He contrasted this with previous administrations, noting that "a deal during Congress rule meant Bofors," referencing the controversial defense contract from the 1980s.
Modi presented a comprehensive list of his government's achievements, stating that 18,000 villages without electricity in 2014 now have power access, that his administration has properly equipped the armed forces, and that it has actively promoted startup culture across the nation. He positioned himself as a leader serving at the will of the people, stating: "My government is remote controlled too - by the 140 crore people of India. I live for them and run the government for them."
Regional and Community-Specific Allegations
The Prime Minister made several pointed allegations against the Congress party regarding regional and community representation. He accused the party of insulting Assam and its people, particularly referencing objections to awarding the Bharat Ratna to cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika. "When Bhupen Hazarika was conferred the Bharat Ratna, they objected, saying he was a mere singer," Modi claimed, adding that "Assam will never forget this insult."
Modi also addressed recent political developments involving Sikh MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, alleging that the Congress demonstrated anti-Sikh sentiment. "They hate the Sikhs," he stated, referencing Bittu's family sacrifices for the nation. The Prime Minister contrasted what he described as the opposition's problem-oriented perspective with his government's solution-focused approach, recalling how former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi reportedly referred to India's population as "problems," while he viewed citizens as "140-crore solutions."
Defiant Conclusion and Political Positioning
Throughout his address, Modi maintained a defiant tone against his critics. "The man enjoys the blessings of millions of mothers and sisters of this country," he declared about himself. "Try as hard as you can, you won't be able to dig Modi's grave." He questioned the sincerity of opposition slogans about love and unity, asking pointedly: "What kind of 'mohabbat ki dukaan' (shop of love) is it that wants to dig the grave of a countryman?"
The Prime Minister concluded by positioning his administration as fundamentally different from previous governments, emphasizing service over power and concrete achievements over mere sloganeering. His speech blended political confrontation with policy defense, creating a comprehensive narrative about his government's tenure while directly challenging opposition criticism in one of the most memorable parliamentary addresses of recent sessions.
