New Delhi, February 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday aimed at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, mocking those who, he said, find discussions about poverty dull after having their photo sessions in the huts of the poor.
In another jab, Modi directed his criticism at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, remarking that while some leaders focus on luxury items like jacuzzis and stylish showers, his government is prioritizing providing water to every household.
While responding to the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address in the Lok Sabha, Modi declared that the address bolstered the nation's resolve for a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) and inspired citizens.
Although Modi did not name him directly, he mocked Rahul Gandhi's reaction to the President's speech, stating that those who pose for photos in poor people's huts would likely find discussions on the poor's issues in Parliament uninteresting.
This remark came after an exchange between Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Parliament following the President’s address on January 31. During their discussion, Rahul Gandhi asked whether the President's speech was "boring."
Modi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to respond to the President’s Address in the Lok Sabha 14 times, emphasizing that his government has not resorted to empty slogans but has delivered real development for the people.
He also highlighted that while for decades, India had heard the slogan "garibi hatao" (remove poverty), under his leadership, 25 crore people have risen out of poverty. Modi further pointed out that over 4 crore poor families have received homes, stressing the significance of having a proper roof over one’s head, something he deeply understands.
The Prime Minister concluded with a sharp critique of the opposition, asserting that the struggles of the poor and the common man cannot be truly understood unless one has lived through such hardships, suggesting that many in the opposition lack the empathy to grasp this reality.
