The Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sustained personal attack against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress while replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in Lok Sabha today. Modi focused on Rahul Gandhi in particular, attacking his comments on the President Droupadi Murmu’s address. He also stated that the time “spent with “photo opportunities painted in front of the huts of the poor” “is such that the president’s speech could easily be considered “boring.
Criticism of Opposition’s Approach
PM Modi decried the Congress and AAP for having, as their top agenda, a personal and political benefit and not national benefits. He explained that the opposition could not acknowledge the government’s transformative measures, in particular those aimed at the poor and middle classes.
Modi emphasized the government’s efforts in the context of eradication of corruption, stating that during the last decade, many crores of rupees have been saved, which has been otherwise spent on personal and/or nonproductive activities so as to improve the quality of the lives of the citizens which (will have) in all likelihood turned to constructive or progressive activities. “We have taken several steps that have saved a lot of money, but we have not used that money to build a ‘Sheeshmahal’ (glass palace); instead, we have used it to build the nation,” he said in a pointed reference to the AAP leadership.
Empowering Women Through Sanitation
Highlighting the government’s efforts in sanitation, Modi spoke about the importance of building toilets, particularly for women in rural areas. “When a woman is forced to defecate in the open, she can only step out either before sunrise or after sunset. Some people fail to understand this reality,” he stated. He further highlighted that by constructing more than 12 crore toilets, men and women in India have experienced improved dignity and safety of women in the country.
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), started 2014, has significantly contributed to providing a solution of this problem. Modi stressed that toilet construction was not just an infrastructural project, but a move towards social justice and gender equality.
Income Tax Reforms and Middle-Class Benefits
PM Modi also spoke on tax reforms by the government that look to alleviate financial pressure from the middle class. They remembered how, until 2014, high taxes had had a devastating effect on earning persons. “Before 2014, such ‘bombs’ were hurled and ‘bullets’ were shot that it affected the lives of people. We slowly healed those wounds and kept going,” he said.
Comparing the tax system of 2013-2014 and the present age, Modi noted that while the level of exemption was then only ₹2 lakh*, now at ₹12 lakh*, it is free from taxation for the people. We have healed wounds, and we have now covered the bandages too,” he said, highlighting the measures taken by his government to gradually reduce the tax load.
[Also], Modi declared that, along with a ₹75,000 standard deduction*, taxable salaries of salaried persons up to ₹12.75 lakh per year* would be exempted from income tax with effect from April 1, 2025. He described this as a significant boon for the middle class, that it allows them to save and invest more towards the future.
A Decade of Progress and Development
PM Modi talked about the achievements during the last 10 years on his term to action. He attributed to the government of his country the achievement on economic stability, creation of new jobs, and turning India into a world class manufacturing base. Modi also guaranteed that the government under the BJP is steadfast with respect to the three pillars, i.e., economic growth, poverty reduction, and national security.
His address also touched upon India’s growing influence on the global stage, with initiatives such as *Make in India, Digital India, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), which have significantly boosted domestic industries and employment.
Opposition’s Reaction and Political Implications
PM Modi’s speech sparked sharp reactions from opposition leaders. Congress leaders accused him of diverting attention from pressing issues such as unemployment and inflation. In the meantime, AAP officials attributed Modi’s comments as a political charade in preparation for the forthcoming polls.
In an election year, Modi’s address acted as a clear call to voters, both acknowledging the BJP’s success and accusing the opposition of its failures. As the political battle intensifies, his remarks are expected to play a crucial role in shaping public opinion ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing political debate.
“Stay updated with the latest news and insights – follow us at YPBB News on X for real-time updates and exclusive stories!”
