NEW DELHI, Feb 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Opposition in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, stating, “Certain leaders use the rhetoric of urban naxals and speak of waging war against the Indian state, lacking a grasp of the Constitution.”
While addressing the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address in the Lok Sabha, Modi targeted Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, noting that discussing caste has become trendy. “For the past 30 years, OBC MPs have sought constitutional recognition, and we granted it. We established a Ministry of Skill Development to empower the marginalized,” he asserted.
The Prime Minister remarked, “Those who pretend to uphold the Constitution conveniently overlook the distress faced by Muslim women.”
As he addressed the AAP ahead of the Assembly Elections in the National Capital, Modi stated, “Our focus is on the youth, while some individuals are deceiving them. These individuals make lofty election promises but fail to deliver.”
“This group represents a ‘AAPda’ (disaster) for the future of the youth,” he added.
“Our performance in Haryana illustrates our commitment; we promised jobs, and immediately upon forming the government, the youth received job opportunities. We stand by our promises,” Modi expressed.
Without explicitly naming Sonia Gandhi, the Prime Minister critiqued her reaction to the President’s address, asserting, “Those who indulge in photo ops in the huts of the poor will find discussions about poverty in Parliament tedious.”
He also highlighted a recent government decision to exempt individuals earning under Rs 12 lakh from income tax.
“In 2014, the tax threshold was set at Rs 2 lakh; today, it stands at Rs 12 lakh. Salaried individuals will not incur taxes on income up to Rs 12.75 lakh after April 1 when including the standard deduction,” Modi noted.
“We have not engaged in false slogans but have delivered tangible development to the populace,” the Prime Minister asserted.
“For fifty years, we heard slogans of ‘garibi hatao’ (remove poverty), and now 25 crore individuals have risen from poverty,” he stated.
Modi noted that 4 crore houses have been provided to the poor so far. “Only those who have experienced such a life can appreciate having a proper roof over their heads,” he said.
“The struggles of the poor and common people cannot be recognized superficially; it necessitates genuine dedication, which some simply lack,” Modi said while targeting the Opposition.
Reaffirming the government’s dedication to technological advancement, he stated, “For some, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is just a trendy term. For me, it embodies dual concepts – Artificial Intelligence and Aspirational India.”
“This budget allocates funds for 50,000 new AI labs, emphasizing investment in deep technology. The 21st century is technology-driven, and we aspire for our nation to progress in this domain,” Modi declared.
Highlighting the government’s achievements, Modi remarked, “In the last decade of BJP governance, 25 crore individuals have transcended poverty. Previously, for years, we heard ‘garibi hatao’, yet this achievement is finally realized now.”
(UNI)
