Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a fierce critique of the Congress party on Thursday, asserting that it has designed a political model characterized by lies, deceit, corruption, nepotism, and appeasement. “Family First” prevails in Congress’s approach, which is why their policies, rhetoric, and actions are solely focused on that object, Modi stated while addressing the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address in the Rajya Sabha.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the nation for re-electing the BJP-led NDA government for a third term. “The people of India have tested our agenda for progress and witnessed our fulfillment of promises. We have consistently worked under the banner of ‘Nation First,’” Modi emphasized.

In a pointed remark aimed at the Congress, he cautioned against expecting the party to grasp the concept of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’ “Much has been said here about ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ yet I fail to see why it concerns others so deeply. It is a shared responsibility, and the Indian populace has entrusted us with that duty. However, it would be a grave error to think that Congress can comprehend this principle, as the party is solely devoted to one family. Hence, embracing ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ is simply beyond them,” Modi argued.

He reiterated, “‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ is a collective responsibility. That’s why the country has offered us all a chance to occupy these seats.”

Criticizing the previous Congress administrations, he remarked that for five to six decades, there was no alternative governance model for the country. “Since 2014, India has embraced a new model of governance, one that prioritizes satisfaction over appeasement,” he declared.

Modi further accused Congress of harbored animosity towards BR Ambedkar, claiming that they only raise the slogan of ‘Jai Bhim’ out of obligation. He alleged that the party took numerous measures to defeat Ambedkar in elections, driven by their “hatred” for him, and highlighted their failure to award him the Bharat Ratna.

“It is well-documented how deeply rooted Congress’s disdain was for Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar. They attempted to thwart his electoral success in 1952 and 1954 because they found discomfort in his words. They never deemed him fit for the Bharat Ratna. Now, under compulsion, they announce ‘Jai Bhim’. Congress is astutely adept at changing its colors, as is clearly visible,” Modi added.

He also accused Congress of destabilizing democratically elected governments while in power. “The current state of Congress stems from their neglect to better their position and their continuous efforts to hinder others’ progress,” Modi claimed.

“Congress has historically destabilized governments, maintaining their motto of ‘Dusre ki lakeer chhoti karo’ (to limit others). Why does the country’s once-great party, intertwined with the freedom struggle, find itself in such disarray? If they focused on extending their own reach, perhaps they’d eventually earn the chance to sit on the ruling side of the Parliament,” he stated.

Modi asserted that there are ongoing attempts to sow “caste poison” in society. “For years, OBC MPs from across the political spectrum have sought constitutional status for the OBC Panel, a demand Congress has consistently ignored because it conflicts with their political interests. However, we have conferred constitutional status upon this panel,” Modi announced.

Criticizing the imposition of the Emergency as an act meant to appease the Congress’s royal family, Modi recalled how freedom of expression was suppressed and how actors, singers, and poets faced persecution for their refusal to support the government during that dark era. He recounted specific cases, like the targeting of singer Kishore Kumar and actors Dev Anand and Balraj Sahni.

The Prime Minister further condemned Jawaharlal Nehru’s government for placing restrictions on the media while professing a commitment to democracy. Citing the plight of MPs like George Fernandes, who were handcuffed during the Emergency, Modi lamented how the Congress government effectively imprisoned the nation to satisfy its aristocratic ambitions.

To lighten the mood in the House, Modi resorted to poetry, responding to the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, who expressed a newfound interest in poetic exchanges. He recited: “Tamasha karne walon ka kya khabar, humney kitne tufano ko par kar diya jalaya hai,” (Those engaged in theatrics don’t realize the sacrifices we’ve made to ignite the lamp).

Furthermore, he echoed the sentiments of poet Neeraj, stating, “Hai bahut andhiara, ab suraj nikalna chahiye, jis tarah se bhi ho, yeh mausam badalna chahiye,” (The sun must rise to dispel the darkness, the weather should change for the better).