The PM called for zero tolerance towards corruption, while emphasizing on pride and respect for the nation’s laws and regulations.
New Delhi: Encapsulating the past, the present and the future that the country is looking towards, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his almost two-hour-long speech in Parliament, put across 11 resolutions (Sankalp) to guide the future development of the nation and to ensure governance based on inclusivity and responsibility.
PM Modi was speaking on the 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution in the Lok Sabha on Saturday.
The PM, emphasizing the collective responsibility of citizens and the government to adhere to their duties in strengthening democracy, stressed that the benefits of progress should reach every community and region, upholding the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas (Collective Effort, Inclusive Development). PM Modi called for zero tolerance towards corruption and urged the nation to reject its social acceptance, while emphasizing pride and respect for the nation’s laws and regulations. He highlighted the need to eradicate the colonial mindset to promote self-reliance and progress.
The Supreme Court has also said many times that UCC should be brought into the country… Keeping in mind the spirit of the Constitution and the makers of the Constitution, we are working with full force for a Secular Civil Code.”
One family of Congress left no stone unturned in hurting the Constitution. This family relentlessly pursued wrong thoughts, wrong deeds and wrong policies. It challenged the Constitution every chance it got.”
The Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru wrote to ministers, suggesting if the Constitution poses a hurdle, changes should be made to it at any cost. Back then, the Speaker and many others had told Nehru that he was wrong, but he did not pay heed to any of them.”
Congress had tasted blood for power that it repeatedly preyed on the Constitution over time, leaving its soul wounded. Over six decades, the Constitution was amended 75 times. Former PM Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency by misusing the Constitution.”
The Constitution was torn apart when it was completing 25 years. The Emergency was imposed, all constitutional rights were snatched and the country was turned into a jail. All the rights of the citizens were snatched and there was a clampdown on th media.”
The Prime Minister also advocated for freeing Indian politics from dynastic control (parivaar-vaad) to encourage broader participation and bring fresh perspectives. Respect for the Constitution was underscored as paramount, ensuring equality and justice for all. While guaranteeing that existing reservations for SC/ST communities remain protected, he firmly opposed any reservations based on religion.
Additionally, the PM highlighted women-led development as a key driver to making India a global example. He emphasized that the development of individual states should directly contribute to the prosperity of the entire nation. Finally, he called for unity and excellence under the vision of Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat (One India, Best India), urging collective action toward creating a progressive and inclusive India.
The Prime Minister stated that for his government, secularism meant ensuring that 100 per cent of beneficiaries receive the benefits they are entitled to. His speech blended a mix of reminding the public of the “misdeeds” of political opponents and the previous government, while also highlighting the welfare initiatives carried out by his administration. Emphasizing the need for fresh talent and perspectives in politics, Modi called for an end to dynastic politics to enable people from non-political backgrounds to join political life.
In a reference to the Constitutional amendments brought by the previous government for political benefits, the PM said that his government too made amendments to the Constitution but that amendments for pursuit of the nation’s unity, with the focus on creating a united and progressive India.
He mentioned how his government is committed to uplifting the impoverished, providing them with opportunities to rise from poverty, particularly through the provision of free rations. He further criticized the opposition for ridiculing these efforts, stating that their focus was on genuinely alleviating poverty.
He also remarked, “About those whom no one asks about, Modi worships them (Jinko koi nahee puchta, unko Modi pujata hai)” with reference to the marginalized, including the differently-abled. He highlighted the government’s initiatives to promote a common sign language for the differently abled, welfare for nomadic groups, and the establishment of a welfare board for them. Modi also outlined efforts for the street hawkers, that includes offering loans to street vendors and welfare programs for transgender individuals, tribal communities, and marginalized groups.
He reminded the public of his governance during his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, particularly when he ensured that science streams were available in colleges within the tribal regions of Eastern Gujarat. He referred to the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana for financial inclusion, as well as the government’s focus on developing aspirational districts, with 40 performance indicators leading to improved outcomes for these areas.
PM Modi also credited former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for creating a separate ministry for the tribal community. Additionally, he mentioned how the BJP was the party that decided to form separate specialized ministries like the Fisheries Department for the fisheries community, a Cooperative Ministry for small and marginal farmers, a Skill Development Ministry, and initiatives in the Northeast aimed at better development and welfare.
The Lok Sabha began a two-day debate on 13 December to mark the start of the 75th year since the Constitution’s adoption.
The first session of the winter Parliament commenced on 25 November, with both Houses getting adjourned fairly early due to disruptions. The winter session will go on till 20 December.