Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took veiled shots at the Opposition as he reflected on his 25-year public service journey at the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha’, saying his critics and political opponents had taught him the strength of democracy while highlighting the achievements of his government since 2014.
“Those who opposed me taught me the power of democracy,” Modi said, speaking about the lessons he learnt from his critics and political opponents. “My critics taught me to look within myself,” he added.
Modi's remarks came as programmes marking his 25 years in public service culminated, with events being held in Vadnagar and Varanasi.
Modi also cited specific events that shaped his learning over the years, saying the 2001 Bhuj earthquake taught him to remain steadfast during reconstruction, while the Chandrayaan mission taught him to rise from failure. He said the Covid-19 pandemic made him realise the importance of the nation’s collective consciousness, while also acknowledging the media for inspiring him “to move forward amidst bitter-sweet experiences.”
The Prime Minister also pitched his vision of a “Viksit Bharat”, saying, “Viksit Bharat by 2047, we will do it; hosting the Olympics, we will do it; setting foot in space, we will do it”.
PM Modi targets Opposition
Reflecting on his government's record since 2014, Modi said the country's economic picture had changed significantly over the past 12 years, contrasting the NDA's governance record with that of the previous UPA government.
{{/usCountry}}Reflecting on his government's record since 2014, Modi said the country's economic picture had changed significantly over the past 12 years, contrasting the NDA's governance record with that of the previous UPA government.
{{/usCountry}}“Then (before 2014) they used to talk about policy paralysis and today we talk about the reforms express; then they were trying to look for ideas to increase imports and today we are creating new records for exports…The decade from 2015 to 2025 has broken all records of agricultural growth. This happens when you have intent and policies,” he said.
Taking a swipe at the Opposition, Modi said one of the biggest challenges faced by the country was the tendency to divide society along caste and community lines for electoral gains. He questioned whether issues such as lack of water for farmers or electricity shortages affected only particular communities.
“But when a farmer’s field lacks water, does the problem affect only one caste? When there is no electricity, does darkness fall only on one community? The answer is no. If the problem belongs to everyone, the solution must be for everyone,” he said.
Modi also hit out at the Opposition over its handling of issues such as Naxal violence and Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, without naming any political party.
“The problem of Article 370 seemed unending but today article 370 is gone, similarly the problem of naxalism had been accepted but today we have broken the spine of Naxal violence. Humne ghar mein ghus ke mara…” he said.
Deep Dive
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‘For me, the people are God’
Reflecting on his public service journey, Modi said he believed his responsibilities stemmed from the trust placed in him by the people.
“May God give me the strength to work for my country with even greater energy and serve my fellow citizens day and night. Whatever I am today, wherever I am, and whatever responsibility I hold, it is because of the people. For me, the people are God.”
Modi also said the country had given him a great deal and, consequently, he believed he had an even greater responsibility towards it.
“The country has given me so much, and therefore, my responsibility towards the nation is also the greatest. I sincerely believe that the citizens of the country have the greatest right over me.”
‘I still consider myself a student’
Modi also spoke about his approach to learning, recalling how he would be among the first students to reach his class.
“I was always among the students who reached the class first. That eagerness to learn became a part of my life. Even today, I consider myself a student… The more I learn, the greater my ability will be to do something for the country.”
He said criticism had also played a role in shaping his approach, helping him reflect on himself.
The yatra, which began on September 17, has covered different parts of the country and will conclude with thousands of Seva Yatris, BJYM workers and young citizens at the two historic centres closely associated with Modi's life and spiritual journey.
Modi is also scheduled to address BJP cadre as part of the events marking his 25 years as the head of a government. He first became Gujarat chief minister in October 2001 and has since served as prime minister since May 2014.