PM Modi highlighted that his government has strengthened pro-STs and SCs laws to protect their interests

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the role of the middle class in the country’s growth and said their aspirations are giving impetus to the nation’s progress. Replying to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in Rajya Sabha yesterday, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s decision to empower the middle class by giving more money in their hands. 

Mr Modi said, a neo-middle class has emerged in the country and his government is standing with strong commitments to this neo-middle class. He said 25 crore people have been taken out of poverty which was a matter of pride for them. Asserting that the BJP-led NDA government’s model of development is ‘Nation First’, which focuses on “satisfaction” rather than appeasement, he said, people have tested, understood and supported this model and therefore gave his government the mandate for the third time.

He outlined the government’s commitment to optimally utilising resources for the welfare of the people and safeguarding the rights of marginalized communities. The Prime Minister highlighted that his government has strengthened pro-STs and SCs laws to



protect their interests. Mr Modi also spoke about the government’s efforts for the welfare of Divyangjans.

Taking a dig at the Congress, the Prime Minister said, the Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas model of governance is incomprehensible for Congress as the whole party is dedicated to one family. He accused Congress of following the model of what he called cheating, appeasement and nepotism. PM Modi also hit out at the economic policies of the Congress government and the ‘licence quota raj’ that gave rise to corruption and affected the country’s economic progress and growth. He targeted the Congress government for imposing an Emergency in the country.

In his closing remarks, the Prime Minister said the president’s speech had a detailed description of the country’s achievements, the world’s expectations of India, the self-confidence of the country’s common man and the resolve of Viksit Bharat.

After the Prime Minister’s reply, the Upper House adopted the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address, negating the amendments of several opposition MPs by voice vote.