During a significant Lok Sabha address, Prime Minister Modi criticized the Nehru-Gandhi family’s historical amendments to the Constitution aimed at consolidating power. He emphasized his government’s focus on constitutional integrity and proposed 11 resolutions for India’s future, including ending dynastic politics and promoting women’s development. Modi highlighted the importance of unity and adherence to democratic principles as essential for progress.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a sharp critique of the Nehru-Gandhi family during a marathon address in Lok Sabha on Saturday, accusing them of repeatedly amending the Constitution to consolidate their power and serve their interests. Speaking during the debate commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Constitution’s adoption, Modi took aim at former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi, while also targeting Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for allegedly continuing the same practices.
Modi’s speech, spanning one hour and 50 minutes, was one of his longest in Parliament and revolved around “correcting past mistakes” while proposing resolutions for India’s future.
Allegations Against the Nehru-Gandhi Family
In a blistering attack, Modi accused the Nehru-Gandhi family of undermining constitutional values. He claimed that the family, which held power for 55 years, made a habit of introducing constitutional amendments to suit their political goals.
“This family challenged the Constitution at every level,”
Modi alleged, highlighting the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi, which he described as a time when the judiciary was throttled and the country turned into a jail. He added that during the Emergency, fundamental rights were suspended, and constitutional freedoms were trampled.
Modi also criticized Rajiv Gandhi for amending the Constitution after assuming office following his mother’s assassination. He accused Nehru of curbing freedom of expression through constitutional changes and argued that such amendments were made to centralize power rather than strengthen democratic institutions.
Constitutional Amendments by Modi Government
Contrasting his government’s actions with those of the Congress, Modi said that the Constitutional amendments introduced by his administration were aimed at unifying the country and rectifying historical wrongs.
“We repealed Article 370 to unify the country and implemented GST to establish the ‘one nation, one tax’ regime,”
he said, adding that his government took pride in these amendments.
Modi also highlighted the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), calling it a step to correct injustices faced by certain communities.
India’s Extraordinary Journey Under the Constitution
Celebrating India’s progress since the adoption of the Constitution in 1949, Modi hailed the nation as the “mother of democracy” and said the document had empowered countless Indians, including leaders like himself, to rise from humble backgrounds to positions of prominence.
“Leaders like me and many others from ordinary families could never have achieved our positions without the strength of the Constitution,”
Modi emphasized, reflecting on his own journey.
He also paid tribute to the Constitution’s framers and citizens who upheld their vision, describing the Constitution as a guiding light that enabled India to navigate challenges and emerge as a global powerhouse.
Proposals for India’s Future
Modi proposed 11 resolutions for India’s future, calling on Parliament to adopt these transformative measures to strengthen the nation:
- Performing Duties: Every citizen and the government must uphold their responsibilities with sincerity.
- Inclusive Development: Ensure benefits of growth reach every section of society, embracing the mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”
- Zero Tolerance for Corruption: Corruption must not be tolerated or socially accepted.
- Respect for Laws and Traditions: Citizens should take pride in following laws and respecting traditions.
- Freedom from Dynastic Politics: Dynastic politics must end to uphold true democracy.
- Respect for the Constitution: The Constitution should not be used for political self-interest.
- Fair Distribution of Reservation Benefits: Ensure reservation reaches those who need it without discrimination.
- Opposing Religion-Based Reservation: Prevent attempts to introduce religion-based reservation policies.
- Women-Led Development: Make India a global example of women-led development.
- State-Centric Growth: Prioritize state development for overall national progress.
- Unity in Diversity: Realize the goal of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” by uniting the country’s diverse population.
Empowering Women and Unity for 2047 Goals
Modi also emphasized the role of women in India’s journey, stating that their representation in Parliament and the Council of Ministers had significantly increased. “Women are at the centre of every initiative of this government,” he said, lauding the recent unanimous passing of the law reserving seats for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
He reiterated that unity is critical for India to achieve its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, calling it the “biggest requirement” for progress.
“Mother of Democracy” and Lessons for the Future
Reflecting on India’s democratic traditions, Modi described the country as the “mother of democracy,” noting that the Constitution’s journey over 75 years has been extraordinary. He asserted that India’s economic and social progress hinges on adhering to constitutional principles while shedding outdated mindsets.
Modi concluded by stressing that “India cannot move forward by clinging to the mentality of slavery” and called for citizens and leaders to embrace a vision that prioritizes national unity, development, and inclusivity.
The Debate Continues
As the Lok Sabha session ended, Modi’s speech sparked intense discussions about India’s political history, constitutional legacy, and future trajectory. While his critique of the Nehru-Gandhi family struck a chord with BJP supporters, the Congress countered by accusing Modi of rewriting history to deflect attention from his government’s shortcomings.
The Prime Minister’s resolutions, however, have set the stage for further debates on India’s political and social evolution as the nation strives to achieve its ambitious goals by 2047.
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