Opposition Criticizes PM Modi’s Lok Sabha Speech as Rhetorical, While BJP Praises Visionary Path for India’s Future
New Delhi, December 15: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took a sharp dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lok Sabha speech on Saturday, describing it as “absolutely boring” and criticizing it for lacking any new or constructive ideas. Her remarks come after the Prime Minister outlined 11 pledges for India’s future, emphasizing zero tolerance for corruption, inclusive development, and unity.
“PM Narendra Modi did not say anything new or constructive. He absolutely bored me. I thought he would say something significant, but he spoke about 11 hollow promises. If he has zero tolerance towards corruption, he should at least hold a debate on Adani,” Priyanka Gandhi said.
Opposition’s Sharp Reactions
The opposition’s criticism didn’t stop there. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav called the speech a reiteration of “11 jumlas” and accused the BJP of hypocrisy on dynastic politics. “Those who criticize dynasties have a party full of dynasts. Meanwhile, the rights of SC/ST, OBC, and Dalits are being eroded,” he said.
Congress MP KC Venugopal dismissed the address as a “blame game” targeting Congress. “They talk about the Constitution but use it to benefit one individual, creating monopolies. The speech ignored real issues like the Adani controversy and minority rights,” he said.
TMC MP Saugata Roy and SP MP Iqra Hasan also criticized the speech for avoiding local and urgent issues. “He mentioned the Constitution but failed to address the Manipur crisis, law and order in UP, and minority concerns,” Hasan said.
BJP Defends PM’s Vision
NDA leaders, however, defended the Prime Minister’s address, hailing it as visionary and focused on India’s growth. BJP MP Ravi Kishan called the speech historic. “The PM’s 11 pledges are a clear roadmap to make India a developed nation by 2047 and the third-largest economy soon,” he said.
Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad praised the Prime Minister for highlighting Congress’s misuse of the Constitution during the Emergency. “It’s important to remember how the opposition curtailed freedoms in the past. The PM has shown a commitment to safeguarding democracy,” Prasad said.
The 11 Pledges
PM Modi’s 11 pledges included:
- Commitment to duties and national pride.
- Inclusive development under “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”
- Zero tolerance for corruption.
- Freedom from colonial mindset.
- Ending dynastic politics.
- Upholding reservation integrity.
- Women-led development.
- Strengthening state-led growth.
- Unity through “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”
- Building a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.
A Divided Response
The Prime Minister’s speech has once again exposed the deep divides between the opposition and the ruling party, with contrasting views over its substance and impact. While BJP leaders lauded the pledges as a vision for the future, opposition leaders criticized the speech as rhetorical and out of touch with pressing issues.
As the nation reflects on 75 years of the Constitution, the debate over the Prime Minister’s vision underscores the challenges of balancing diverse priorities in a rapidly evolving democracy.