Congress criticized Prime Minister Modi’s Independence Day speech, calling it “stale and troubling,” particularly for its mention of the RSS, which they deemed a breach of secular values.
New Delhi: The Congress party has sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech, labeling it as “stale and troubling.” The party expressed particular concern over Modi’s reference to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which they argue undermines the principles of a constitutional, secular republic. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh described the mention of the RSS as a “desperate attempt to appease his organization” ahead of Modi’s 75th birthday next month.
In a post on X, Ramesh stated, “The Prime Minister’s speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort today was stale, hypocritical, insipid, and troubling.” He criticized the Prime Minister for recycling slogans such as Viksit Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” claiming that these phrases have been repeated year after year with little tangible progress to show for them.
Ramesh specifically called out the repeated promises regarding the “Made-in-India” semiconductor chip initiative, stating that it has been touted numerous times without any actual delivery. He noted that the first Semiconductor Complex in India was established in Chandigarh in the early 1980s, suggesting that Modi’s claims are misleading.
The Congress leader also addressed issues concerning farmers, asserting that the government’s rhetoric on protecting their interests has become hollow. He pointed to Modi’s previous attempts to push through three controversial farm laws and the lack of a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Prices (MSP). Ramesh emphasized the absence of a credible roadmap for job creation, stating that the government’s promises in this area have become mere lip service.
Ramesh further criticized Modi’s claims of promoting unity, inclusion, and democracy, arguing that the Prime Minister has overseen the erosion of key constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission. He highlighted the recent Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in Bihar, which has reportedly disenfranchised over 6.5 million voters, as a significant concern.
He remarked that Modi’s assertions of empowering states ring hollow when the central government continues to undermine federalism and marginalize state governments, particularly those led by opposition parties.
Ramesh expressed that Independence Day should serve as a moment for vision, candor, and inspiration, rather than a platform for self-congratulation and selective storytelling. He criticized Modi’s speech for failing to address the deep economic distress, rising unemployment, and increasing economic inequality in society.
Regarding the Prime Minister’s mention of the RSS, Ramesh stated, “The most troubling element of the Prime Minister’s speech today was his name-checking of the RSS from the ramparts of the Red Fort — a blatant breach of the spirit of a constitutional, secular republic.” He added that this politicization of Independence Day for personal and organizational gain is detrimental to the democratic ethos of the nation.
Ramesh concluded by suggesting that Modi appears fatigued and is now reliant on the RSS for support, particularly in light of the political landscape shifting after the events of June 4, 2024. He remarked, “This politicization of Independence Day for personal and organizational gain is deeply corrosive to our democratic ethos,” and quipped that the Prime Minister is “tired today and soon he will be retired.”
These remarks followed Modi’s 97-minute address, during which he highlighted the RSS as one of the world’s largest non-governmental organizations, celebrating its centenary and its contributions to nation-building and character development.
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