📷 Image Credits: The Times of India
In a recent and fiery address in the Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a hard stance against the previous UPA regime led by the Congress party, blaming them for the economic mismanagement that has historically hampered India’s growth. Referring to the stagnation during the Congress era, Modi decried the term “Hindu rate of growth,” which was used to describe India’s sluggish growth during 1950s to the 1980s, a period characterized by GDP growth of around 4%. This designation, Modi argued, was an insult that tarnished the image of Hindus globally, linking the entire community’s identity to the failures of past Congress administrations.
Modi’s remarks were made during a motion of thanks to the President’s address and laid the blame for long-delayed infrastructure projects squarely at the feet of the Congress. He illustrated his points with examples of critical projects that lingered for decades, including the Saryu river project, which received approval in 1972 but was completed only in 2021. Similarly, the Udampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail line, sanctioned in 1994, was only finished under the BJP’s governance in 2025. These references highlighted what Modi described as the Congress’s inefficiency and the negative impact of its policies on the nation’s development.
Further, Modi criticized the ‘licence-permit raj’ that characterized India under Congress rule, which he claimed not only stifled entrepreneurial spirit but also bred corruption. He shed light on how citizens routinely faced insurmountable obstacles while seeking basic necessities such as telephone connections and cooking gas cylinders, often waiting for years despite having the means to purchase them. He illustrated how even well-connected individuals, such as a Congress MP’s father, faced excessive delays merely to buy a car, a clear indication of the bureaucratic nightmare of that era.
The Prime Minister hailed the progress made by his administration, drawing contrasts between his government’s pro-development approach and the stifling policies of the past. He claimed that the current administration’s improved economic policies have repositioned India as the fastest-growing major economy, replacing the outdated notions fostered by earlier governments. With an emphasis on inclusive growth—”sabka saath, sabka vikas”—Modi sought to reassure the public that his government prioritizes rapid development for all.
Modi’s confrontation with the legacy of the Congress party did not end there. He further expounded on how the past policy failures perpetuated a culture of bribery and regulatory delays. He cited stark instances where citizens were forced into corruption merely to acquire simple products, painting a picture of a troubled time in India’s history that was propelled by the Congress’s misjudgments.
As the country continues to grow, Modi’s focus has shifted towards reinforcing the economic independence of both the middle class and the emerging neo-middle class, claiming that up to 25 crore citizens have transitioned out of poverty. His assertions about budget reforms, such as making income up to INR 12 lakh tax-free, underline his commitment to fostering a stronger financial base for average Indians.
In addressing complex issues such as the Uniform Civil Code, Modi mentioned that such discussions are not new but rooted in the foundational debates of the Constitution, rebutting criticisms that frequently arise around this topic. He called for a re-evaluation of foundational principles by revisiting historical discussions in the Constituent Assembly.
In conclusion, PM Modi’s recent speech not only criticized the Congress for its past decisions but also painted a picture of what he perceives as a revitalized Indian economy under his leadership. By distancing his government from the failures attributed to the Congress and focusing on the future, Modi aims to reshape how both Indians and the world view India’s economic prospects and the identity of its majority community. The Prime Minister’s assertions mark a continued campaign to consolidate support for the BJP while positioning it as the champion of India’s rejuvenation.
