The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi replied to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in the Rajya Sabha today. Addressing the House, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the President’s address, stating that it was his privilege to share his sentiments in support of the motion of thanks. He remarked that the past year has been one of rapid progress in the journey of a developed India, with transformation visible across every sector and among all sections of society, as the nation moves forward in the right direction with great speed. Shri Modi highlighted that the President presented these themes with sensitivity and clarity.
Shri Modi emphasized that the President spoke in detail about the middle class, the lower middle class, the poor, villages, farmers, women, science, technology, and agriculture, presenting the voice of India’s progress in Parliament. He noted that the President also elaborated on how the youth are advancing India’s strength, and underlined that every section’s capabilities were articulated, along with a strong expression of confidence in India’s bright future, which is inspiring for all.
Shri Modi further remarked that the first quarter of the 21st century has concluded, and just as the second quarter of the last century was decisive in India’s freedom struggle, this second quarter will be equally powerful and fast-paced in building a developed India. He said that every citizen feels the nation has reached a crucial stage, where there is no question of stopping or looking back, only moving forward with speed, achieving the goal, and breathing only after reaching it, and in this direction the country is advancing.
Highlighting that India is currently witnessing a rare confluence of favorable circumstances, Prime Minister called it a highly auspicious alignment. He underlined that while the richest nations of the world are aging, India is simultaneously reaching new heights of development and becoming increasingly youthful, a nation with a growing young population. Shri Modi emphasized that the world’s attraction towards India has grown significantly, with global recognition of India’s talent pool. He noted that India possesses a vital pool of young talent with dreams, determination, and capability, which he described as a second blessing of strength.
The Prime Minister stated that India has emerged as a beacon of hope, providing solutions to global challenges, and pointed out the unique combination of high growth and low inflation in India’s economy, reflecting its resilience. He recalled that when his government was given the opportunity to serve, India was counted among the ‘Fragile Five,’ and though the country was once the sixth largest economy at independence, it had slipped to eleventh, but today India is advancing rapidly towards becoming the third largest economy.
Shri Modi highlighted that in every sector—science, space, sports—India is brimming with confidence. He observed that in the post-COVID world, as global instability grows, a new world order is emerging, and impartial analysis shows a clear tilt towards India. He stressed that India has become a trusted partner and friend to many nations, contributing shoulder to shoulder to global welfare. The Prime Minister underscored that India has become the strong voice of the Global South on international platforms and is entering into “future-ready trade deals” with major countries. He noted that nine significant trade agreements have been signed recently, including the “Mother of all Deals” with the European Union involving 27 countries. He criticized past governments for leaving India in a state where no country was willing to engage in trade deals, contrasting it with the current scenario where developed nations are eager to partner with India.
Recalling his experience in Gujarat, where the Vibrant Gujarat Summit had Japan as a partner country, Shri Modi said that today India as a nation is demonstrating similar strength. He emphasized that this is possible only when there is economic power, citizen energy, and a strong manufacturing ecosystem. He criticized vote-bank politics for neglecting these priorities and asserted that opposition governments lacked vision, willpower, and ideas, which led the nation to suffer.
Shri Modi expressed gratitude to the people for giving him the opportunity to serve, noting that much of his government’s energy has gone into correcting past mistakes and rebuilding India’s global image. He stressed that India is now driven by policy, not adhocism, and that the mantra of “Reform, Perform, Transform” has put the nation on the “Reform Express.” He detailed structural, process, and policy reforms aimed at strengthening manufacturing, empowering entrepreneurs, and ensuring value addition, declaring that India is now fully prepared to compete globally.
Highlighting that global CEO forums now view Indian entrepreneurs as equals, Shri Modi said even delegations from all political parties have experienced this parity abroad, returning with pride. He emphasized the strength of India’s MSME network, which provides long-term economic power, and noted that many components of aircraft are manufactured by India’s small MSMEs, earning global trust. He stated that the results of these efforts are evident, with major nations eager to build trade relations with India. He pointed to the European Union trade deal and the recent agreement with the United States, which have been widely praised internationally. He remarked that the EU deal gave the world confidence in global stability, and the US deal reinforced the sense of momentum, both serving as positive signals for the world.
Prime Minister Modi remarked that the greatest benefit of current opportunities will go to the youth of India, stressing that when he speaks of youth, it includes the middle-class youth, urban youth, rural youth, sons and daughters alike, and should not be seen in fragments. He highlighted that the nation must take pride in the strength of its youth, as the global market has now opened for them, presenting opportunities everywhere. Shri Modi encouraged the youth, saying he stands shoulder to shoulder with them, urging them to move forward with courage, as the nation supports them and the world awaits their contribution. The Prime Minister noted the rising global demand for Indian professionals, including caregivers, with companies even setting up special offices in India to recruit qualified talent, which demonstrates the vast opportunities opening up for Indian professionals worldwide.
Shri Modi observed that the Rajya Sabha represents the states, yet the level of debate he witnessed should have been higher, especially from those who have governed for decades, but they missed the opportunity, raising questions about how the nation can trust them. He pointed out the irony of a member who proudly calls himself a king speaking about economic equality, questioning whether such contradictions are what the country is left to witness. The Prime Minister criticized the ruling party of West Bengal, urging them to look within, as their governance has set new records in decline across all parameters, leaving the people’s future in darkness while they lecture others. He condemned the defense of illegal infiltrators, stating that such infiltrators deprive Indian youth of their rights, livelihoods, tribal lands, and threaten the lives of sons and daughters, while atrocities against women continue unchecked. He asserted that those who pressure courts to protect infiltrators are betraying the youth of India, and such actions cannot be forgiven.
The Prime Minister further criticized members whose governments are mired in corruption and excesses, noting that their palaces have become symbols of hatred. He declared that opposition parties have all been in power for decades at the Centre and in states, yet their identity remains one of corruption and failed governance. He said that when bills are discussed today, they are spoken of with pride, but in the past, discussions of deals only brought up scandals like the Bofors deal, as those governments focused only on filling their own pockets, not on improving citizens’ lives.
Shri Modi gave the example of the banking sector, describing it as the grid of the economy. He recalled that before 2014, the era of “phone banking” prevailed, where leaders’ calls determined the disbursement of crores of rupees, while the poor were treated with disdain and denied access. He highlighted that more than 50% of the population had never seen the doors of a bank, while the then ruling leaders ensured billions were handed out to their associates, who treated the money as personal property. He noted that under the then ruling dispensation rule, and now under the states governed by opposition alliance, the banking system was on the verge of collapse. Shri Modi recounted that when he first became Prime Minister, a foreign leader advised him to study India’s banking system before attempting reforms, reflecting the dire state of affairs. He emphasized that the previous governments allowed NPAs to pile up into mountains, with constant discussions revolving around how to survive the NPA crisis, showing the neglect and mismanagement of the banking system.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi remarked that the challenge was immense, but the government acted wisely, taking into confidence all stakeholders of the banking system. He highlighted that reforms were necessary and were carried out with courage, creating a transparent system. He stated that numerous banking reforms were undertaken, and weak public sector banks that were unable to function properly were merged with stronger banks. Shri Modi recalled that one intellectual had once written that if the Modi government could achieve this, it would be a major reform for India, and he emphasized that this was accomplished immediately upon assuming office. The Prime Minister underlined that as a result, banks were freed from the deep-rooted malaise, their health improved steadily, and they are now progressing rapidly. He noted that with healthier banks, transactions increased, people gained access to funds, and ordinary citizens received money. Shri Modi stressed that loans reached poor people who were once denied entry to banks. He highlighted the success of the Mudra Yojana, which empowers youth to stand on their own feet and inspires self-employment, not just through speeches but by extending real support. He stated that through Mudra Yojana, loans worth more than ₹30 lakh crore were disbursed without guarantees to the youth, enabling them to expand their businesses, with a significant number of women beneficiaries. The Prime Minister emphasized that rural women, through self-help groups, are now dreaming big and standing independently, with 10 crore women receiving direct financial assistance. He added that the MSME sector was provided ample loans. Shri Modi expressed satisfaction that NPAs, which were towering before 2014, have now been reduced to below one percent, strengthening the health of banks. He highlighted that banks are recording unprecedented profits, which in turn strengthens the overall economy.
The Prime Minister further gave the example of PSUs, noting that they were once perceived as institutions destined to fail, collapse, or shut down. He remarked that this mindset was successfully changed based on realities. Shri Modi criticized those who spread negativity about PSUs, likening their actions to urban Naxals who misled workers outside PSU gates. He pointed out that institutions like LIC, SBI, and HAL were once mismanaged under previous governments, but his government showed courage and implemented continuous reforms. He highlighted that LIC has delivered its best performance period, and PSUs that were once on the verge of closure under opposition rule, are now recording profits. Shri Modi emphasized that PSUs are now driving Make in India as catalytic agents, creating record employment, and expanding globally by securing large orders domestically and internationally. He remarked that PSUs are now participating in the development journeys of several countries, reflecting India’s significant progress in this crucial 25-year period.
Prime Minister Modi criticised the opposition for betraying even the nation’s farmers, noting that 10 crore small farmers with less than two hectares of land were neglected. He remarked that the opposition believed managing a few big farmers was enough to run the system, ignoring the small farmers. Shri Modi highlighted that his government felt the pain of small farmers and, being aware of ground realities, introduced the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. He stated that in a short span, ₹4 lakh crore has been directly transferred to small farmers’ accounts, empowering them with new strength and the ability to dream bigger. He expressed confidence that farmers will deliver results in line with India’s aspirations.
The Prime Minister addressed criticisms regarding implementation, remarking that some members seemed predetermined to raise complaints, revealing their alliance. He narrated an incident, clarifying that he was only presenting facts. Shri Modi recounted that a senior opposition leader and past prime minister herself admitted struggling with the Planning Commission, which refused to design separate schemes for hilly regions. Shri Modi stressed that despite acknowledging the flawed work culture, no corrective steps were taken. He pointed out that the Planning Commission continued to function ineffectively for decades, leaving people distressed until 2014. Shri Modi emphasized that after coming to power, his government abolished the Planning Commission and established NITI Aayog, which is now working at great speed. He highlighted the success of Aspirational Districts, which global institutions are recognizing as a development model for developing countries. He remarked that districts once considered backward and neglected are now witnessing transformation. Shri Modi criticized the earlier culture of sending officers to such districts as punishment postings, worsening conditions. He stated that his government changed this by appointing young, talented officers for three-year tenures, taking decisive steps. He highlighted Bastar in Chhattisgarh, once an Aspirational District, now known nationwide for the Bastar Olympics, with development reaching villages where buses are being seen for the first time, celebrated as festivals. Shri Modi remarked that this transformation reflects the new direction of the nation, contrasting sharply with the neglect of the past.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted that the Aspirational Districts are a shining example of what true implementation means, noting that while there are hundreds of such examples, he cited this one specifically. He remarked that opposition leaders fail to see the change brought about by implementation, being stuck in the old Planning Commission model of jeeps and mules, knowing nothing beyond that. Shri Modi recalled that even before his birth, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had envisioned a dam on the Narmada river, the foundation stone was laid by Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, but it was only after he became Prime Minister that the inauguration took place, underscoring the failure of implementation by previous governments. He recounted that as Chief Minister he had to sit on a three-day fast for the farmers of Gujarat to push the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, risking himself to compel the central government to act, and eventually the project gained momentum. He expressed pride that today pure Narmada water reaches as far as Khavda in Kutch where BSF personnel are stationed.
The Prime Minister criticized the opposition for announcing projects for political gain without execution, lighting lamps and laying stones but doing nothing thereafter. He stated that to change this work culture, he created a technology platform called PRAGATI, which reviews stalled projects. He gave the example of a train announced in Parliament for Himachal Pradesh, possibly Una, which until his arrival did not even have a drawing prepared, yet was declared for electoral advantage. Shri Modi explained that through PRAGATI, he examined why projects were stuck, which departments were responsible, what difficulties states faced, and how costs escalated from ₹900 crore to ₹90,000 crore due to mismanagement. He emphasized that by personally reviewing these projects every month, completing 50 episodes of such meetings, and involving states, he ensured progress. He proudly stated that due to this detailed monitoring at the Prime Minister’s level, projects worth ₹85 lakh crore were unlocked and accelerated, demonstrating what implementation truly means. He added that railways, roads, irrigation, and rural infrastructure were all addressed under this mechanism.
Shri Modi cited the Jammu–Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla rail line as an example, noting that the project was stalled for three decades, spanning two generations, but his government completed it. He mentioned the viral video showing the Vande Bharat train running through snow-clad landscapes, with people remarking that it looked foreign, but it was India. He stressed that this was the power of implementation.
The Prime Minister then referred to Assam, criticizing the opposition citing the Bogibeel Bridge connecting Arunachal and Assam, which was stalled for years. He highlighted that his government reviewed it under PRAGATI and completed it, providing immense benefit to Assam and the entire North East.
Shri Modi asserted that his government not only completes projects on time but often ahead of schedule. He remarked that India had committed to achieving certain solar targets by 2030, but they were accomplished by 2025. Similarly, ethanol targets were achieved two to three years in advance. He emphasized that this demonstrates the strength of his government’s implementation, which goes beyond promises to delivering results ahead of time.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasized that the approach of their party towards challenges and solutions is fundamentally different from that of opposition, describing it as a difference as vast as sky and earth. He remarked that the government’s belief is that 140 crore citizens are capable of providing solutions to challenges, and this trust in people is the true strength of democracy. In contrast, he highlighted that the opposition considers citizens themselves as problems. Citing an example from the past, the Prime Minister underscored that this reflected a mindset where citizens were seen as problems, unlike his government’s conviction that 140 crore solutions exist within the people of India. He reiterated that for his government, citizens are supportive capital, the architects and drivers of India’s bright future, and cannot be considered problems.
Shri Modi stated that insulting the people has become ingrained in the opposition’s nature and culture. He highlighted that the opposition recently insulted the President of India, and the words used after the elections were shameful. He noted that even in the Lok Sabha, discussion on the President’s address could not take place, which he described as a grave insult to the highest constitutional office. He stressed that when a woman from a poor, tribal family rises to the highest constitutional position, insulting her is not only an insult to her but also to the tribal community, to women, to the Constitution, and to the nation itself.
The Prime Minister further recounted the painful incident in the Lok Sabha where papers were thrown and tables climbed upon while a Member from Assam was presiding. He asked whether this was not an insult to the North East and its citizens. He added that when a son from a Dalit family in Andhra Pradesh was in the Chair, he too was insulted, showing opposition’s disdain for marginalized communities. Shri Modi remarked that the opposition seems to harbor hatred towards the people of Assam, as they feel betrayed by them. He recalled the immense respect for Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, whose voice and expression united the nation, and noted that his government honored him with the Bharat Ratna. He criticized the opposition for opposing this, calling it an insult to Assam, to art lovers across the country, and to the legacy of Hazarika.
Shri Modi further condemned the incident where an opposition leader called a Sikh Member of Parliament a “traitor,” stating that arrogance has reached its peak. He pointed out that many leaders have left the opposition, but none were called traitors, except this Sikh MP, which he described as an insult to Sikhs, to the Gurus, and an expression of the opposition’s deep-seated prejudice against the Sikh community. He stressed that calling a citizen a traitor is unacceptable, especially one from a family that has sacrificed for the nation.
The Prime Minister contrasted this with the dignity of Sadanandan Master, who lost both his legs due to political vendetta but continues to serve the nation with humility and without bitterness. He described the moment when Sadanandan ji placed his artificial limb in the House during his first speech as deeply painful yet inspiring for the country. Shri Modi condemned the opposition alliance for being responsible for such violence against a young teacher respected by society. He praised Sadanandan Master for continuing his vow of service despite the brutal attack and contributing to policymaking, calling it a matter of pride. He concluded by affirming that such individuals embody the spirit of sacrifice and service, and it is through the dedication of countless workers like them that the nation draws inspiration to live and work for India’s progress.
Prime Minister Modi remarked that irrespective of responsibilities assigned, he has learned to live for the nation and is working to strengthen the foundation of a developed India, preparing solid ground for the youth. Shri Modi emphasized that the opposition show no regret, and even claim the Prime Minister cried in the Rajya Sabha, reflecting the kind of values and tendencies they have grown up with. He recalled that since 2002, whether in opposition or in power from 2004, and since his entry in Parliament in 2014, for 25 years not a single session has passed without opposition abusing him.
The Prime Minister noted that his government removed Article 370, brought peace and development to the North East, responded to Pakistani terrorists by entering their homes, carried out Operation Sindoor, took bold steps to free the nation from Maoist terror, and placed the unjust Indus Water Treaty signed by the then PM in abeyance. Shri Modi highlighted that the opposition’s real problem is their inability to accept how he reached this position and their growing frustration at his continued presence. He remarked that the opposition believes democracy and the Constitution have no meaning, assuming the Prime Minister’s chair is their family’s inheritance, and that no one else can occupy it.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the opposition was given decades of opportunities by the nation, with the people even staking their future on them, but they misled the country with slogans of poverty removal. He remarked that every opposition Prime Minister spoke of poverty removal from the Red Fort, yet none ever presented concrete action, as their slogans remained hollow. Shri Modi emphasized that he chose the path of empowering the poor, saluted the poor of India for understanding and embracing government schemes, and praised their efforts to enhance their own capabilities. He celebrated the trust of the poor in the government’s intent and noted that 25 crore families defeated poverty and rose out of despair, becoming partners in progress. He saluted these 25 crore citizens who found hope and stood up to walk alongside the nation.
The Prime Minister recalled that before 2014, hundreds of people died at railway crossings, with tragic incidents of school buses colliding and children losing their lives. He stressed that unmanned railway crossings were not an impossible task to address, yet no one acted until his government closed them all, saving countless lives.
Shri Modi further pointed out that before 2014, 18,000 villages had never seen electricity, never heard of a bulb or light. After being entrusted with responsibility in 2014, his government brought light to those villages.
PM further recalled that earlier headlines repeatedly reported shortages at the borders—no ammunition, no bulletproof jackets, soldiers standing in snow without proper boots. Shri Modi stated that his government opened the nation’s treasury for soldiers, resolved to provide whatever they needed.
The Prime Minister recounted how the current Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh once broke down in Parliament while speaking of countless children dying due to encephalitis, a crisis that earlier governments never sought to resolve. He added that trachoma, a disease that robbed people of their eyesight despite scientific progress, was also ignored. Shri Modi underscored that his government freed the nation from encephalitis and saved eyes from trachoma, reflecting sensitivity, commitment, and the resolve to live and sacrifice for society. He remarked that this dedication, this constant toil for the people, disturbs his opponents.
Prime Minister Modi remarked that while earlier governments were run by remote control, his government too runs by remote—but that remote is the 140 crore citizens of India, their dreams, aspirations, and the resolve of the youth. He emphasized that power is not a path to pleasure but a medium of service, citing the Mudra Yojana which empowered millions through self-employment. He highlighted that opposition never promoted startup culture, barely aware of a few hundred startups, while his government has nurtured over 2 lakh startups. He noted that success wins the hearts of the people.” Shri Modi recalled the days when BSNL was ridiculed, but under his government a swadeshi 4G stack was established and India rolled out 5G at the fastest pace globally, advancing communication technology and innovation.
The Prime Minister stated that serving the poor is his privilege, expressing satisfaction in providing 4 crore poor families with pucca houses, electricity, water, gas cylinders, and toilets. He highlighted the transformation where rural women proudly declare themselves “Lakhpati Didis,” with aspirations now rising to become crorepatis. He underscored that with the blessings of crores of citizens and the protective shield of mothers and sisters. He stressed that his reverence for mothers and sisters, whom no one cared for but whom Modi worships, is the reason opponents are disturbed.
Shri Modi criticized the opposition for theft being their hereditary trade, even stealing the surname of a Gujarati—Mahatma Gandhi. He remarked that the people of India are wise enough to deliver resounding blows to such deceit. He emphasized that his government carries the dream of a developed India, which has now transformed into a national resolve powered by the energy of the people. He expressed surprise at the pessimism of some members who question the vision of 2047, reminding them that freedom fighters sacrificed without knowing if independence would come in their lifetime. He argued that without such vision and sacrifice, India would never have achieved freedom.
The Prime Minister recalled how skeptics mocked Digital India, fintech, and UPI, claiming poor people could never transact on mobile phones. Within three years, India proved them wrong, and he noted that the real answer lies in the mobile phone in people’s hands, not in speeches. He pointed out that during the opposition’s time, the phrase “India missed the bus” was common, symbolizing lost opportunities. Today, he declared, India is not missing any bus but it will now lead from the front.
Shri Modi stressed that building a bright future requires continuous work to brighten the present. He explained that his government plans in five-year cycles, prepares annual budgets, and sets direction not for electoral gains but for the goal of a developed India by 2047. He emphasized that elections will come and go, but the nation is eternal, and his mission is to hand over a prosperous India to the youth. He reflected that even when he sees children today, he dreams of leaving them a strong India to ensure satisfaction in his work.
The Prime Minister highlighted that India is advancing in every field—space, science, technology, oceans, land, sky, and outer space—with new energy and achievements. He noted initiatives in green hydrogen, quantum computing, and the AI mission, which the world now believes India can contribute significantly to. He stressed that India is focusing on critical minerals and rare earths, which have become geopolitical weapons, to ensure the nation never has to extend its hand to others.
Prime Minister Modi remarked that countless projects are attracting foreign investment because the world now sees its future in India’s land, trusts India’s talent, and connects its own bright future with India’s promising path. He highlighted that while some fail to grasp why India speaks of becoming a developed nation, the world understands that India has chosen the right direction, and discussions globally have shifted from “India misses the bus” to “let us not be late in reaching India.”
Shri Modi emphasized that the coming era is full of opportunities for India, especially for the youth, and policies are being framed to harness these possibilities. He extended an invitation to citizens and urged Members of Parliament to encourage people in their constituencies to focus on quality, stressing that sustainability of opportunities depends on uncompromising standards. He underscored that profit may be less, but quality must continuously improve through innovation, research, and material upgrades, so that India is recognized globally for excellence. He appealed to citizens to support him in ensuring uncompromised quality, declaring that the world will sing praises of “Made in India, Made in Bharat.”
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to opposition colleagues, noting that they had earlier tried to stop him from speaking five or six times in the past decade, aware that once he begins, he does not stop. He remarked that they have now learned from experience that no benefit comes from such attempts, and he wished that this understanding continues to grow. Shri Modi also conveyed heartfelt thanks to all Members of Parliament who contributed to the President’s address, affirming that the valuable ideas shared will aid the nation’s progress. He concluded by expressing deep gratitude to the Hon’ble President for the address.
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