Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp political and ideological attack on the Congress while replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, drawing a clear line between what he described as a people-centric governance model and an outdated opposition mindset.

Quoting former Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi, PM Modi recalled her remarks during a visit to Iran, where she had said that former Prime Minister late Jawaharlal Nehru saw India as a nation with 35 crore problems, while she herself faced 71 crore problems during her time in office. Using this reference, the Prime Minister questioned the very idea of viewing citizens as a burden.

The Prime Minister asked how any leader could refer to the people of India as problems, asserting that with 140 crore citizens today, the nation possesses 140 crore solutions. He said this difference in thinking defines the contrast between his government and the Congress, stating that his administration focuses on empowerment, opportunity, and participation rather than seeing population growth as a challenge.

PM Modi also strongly defended the dignity of constitutional offices, accusing the Opposition of hypocrisy on constitutional values. He said the Opposition had no moral authority to lecture others on the Constitution after what he described as their insulting behaviour toward a tribal woman holding the highest constitutional post in the country, an apparent reference to President Droupadi Murmu.

Turning to governance and delivery, the Prime Minister highlighted the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada river, noting that although the project was conceived decades ago—long before his birth—it was completed and inaugurated only during his tenure. He accused the Congress of announcing grand schemes without completing them, leaving behind unfinished projects across multiple sectors.

In contrast, PM Modi said his government has ensured execution on the ground, pointing to progress in roads, railways, irrigation, and infrastructure. He also accused the Congress of betraying small and marginal farmers by prioritising big players and powerful lobbies.

Expressing concern for small farmers, the Prime Minister highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, under which more than four lakh crore rupees have been directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts, eliminating middlemen and strengthening rural economies.