PM Modi lauds J&K’s electoral participation
New Delhi, July 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday lauded Jammu and Kashmir’s electoral participation and said that the fight against terrorism in J&K was in the final stages.
Addressing the Rajya Sabha while responding to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address to the Parliament, PM Modi cited the voting figures from the recent Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the significant voter turnout.
“The people of J&K have come out in large numbers to cast their votes, breaking records of the last four decades,” he said. “People of J&K have approved Bharat’s constitution, its democracy, and the Election Commission.”
The PM hailed the mandate as a much-awaited moment for the citizens of this country.
Congratulating the voters of J&K, he reflected on the region’s troubled past and said, “In the past few decades, multiple bandhs, protests, blasts, and terror activities had eclipsed democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.”
However, PM Modi said that the people had shown unwavering faith in the constitution and their determination to decide their future.
“In a way, we are in the final stage of our fight against terrorism in J&K. We are working hard to destroy the remaining terror networks,” he said. “The people of J&K are helping and guiding us in this fight.”
Speaking about peace efforts in Manipur, the PM said that the Northeast was rapidly becoming the gateway to the nation’s progress.
“The unprecedented growth of infrastructure in the Northeast is paving the way for a brighter future,” he said.
PM Modi expressed optimism that ongoing efforts to resolve boundary disputes among states would ensure lasting peace in the region.
Recalling his previous address on Manipur in the Rajya Sabha, he reiterated the government's commitment to easing the situation in the state.
“We have lodged more than 11,000 FIRs and arrested over 500 wrongdoers during and after the unrest in Manipur,” the PM said.
He said that the incidents of violence in Manipur were on a continuous downward trajectory, indicating a hopeful path towards peace.
“Schools, colleges, offices, and other institutions are functioning normally, ensuring the development journey of children remains uninterrupted,” PM Modi said.
Highlighting the collaborative efforts of the central and state governments to ensure peace and cordiality in Manipur, he said, “The Home Minister himself has led the peace efforts on the ground.” Noting the deployment of senior officials to address the situation, the PM expressed concern about the current flood situation in Manipur, informing the House that two companies of the NDRF were deployed for flood relief work.
“We must ensure peace and normalcy in Manipur, beyond political and party lines,” the PM said.
He urged dissidents to stop provoking and endangering the security situation in Manipur.
“The social conflict in Manipur is deeply rooted with a long history, requiring wisdom and patience to resolve,” PM Modi said, inviting all like-minded individuals to assist in restoring normalcy and peace.
He expressed gratitude to the President for her inspiring speech and acknowledged the contributions of the 70 members who shared their views.
Reflecting on India's democratic journey, the PM highlighted the achievement of the electorate returning a government for the third consecutive time after 60 years.
“The people of India have wholeheartedly supported and blessed our government’s efforts to serve the country over the past 10 years,” he said.
PM Modi condemned the opposition’s attempts to undermine the electorate’s decision, noting that they had accepted their defeat reluctantly.
He expressed confidence in the government’s future, saying, “We have only completed one-third of our rule, and two-thirds, or 20 years, remain.”
The PM praised the electorate for defeating propaganda and prioritising performance over illusions, saying, “The people have put a seal of victory on the politics of trust.”
He said that as India entered the 75th year of its Constitution, it was a significant milestone coinciding with the Parliament's 75th year.
PM Modi lauded the Constitution, crafted by B R Ambedkar, for allowing individuals without political lineage to serve the country.
“It is the constitution given by Baba Saheb Ambedkar which has allowed people like me, who have zero political lineage, to enter politics and reach such a stage,” he said.
The PM recalled the opposition faced when his government proposed commemorating November 26 as “Constitution Day”.
He emphasised that this observance had promoted understanding and discussion of the constitution among young people.
"The constitution has been our biggest inspiration," PM Modi said, highlighting plans to celebrate its 75th year as ‘Jan Utsav’ to spread its spirit and intent nationwide.
He commended the electorate for voting his government into power thrice, underscoring their mandate to achieve development and self-reliance through ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Atamnirbhar Bharat’.
The PM said that this electoral win was an endorsement of the government’s past decisions and a mandate to fulfil future aspirations.
“People of this country have entrusted us with the opportunity to bring their future resolutions to fruition,” he said.
PM Modi highlighted the Indian economy’s rise from the 10th to the 5th largest globally over the past decade, despite global challenges and the pandemic.
“This mandate is to take the economy to third place from the present fifth place,” he said, expressing confidence in achieving this goal.
The PM reiterated the government’s commitment to accelerating development, assuring the House of efforts to provide necessities to all citizens over the next five years.
“We want to transform this era into an era of saturation of necessities with the help of good governance,” he said.
PM Modi emphasised the importance of the next five years in the fight against poverty, believing in the collective strength of the poor to overcome it.
He said that he foresaw tier 2 and tier 3 cities emerging as growth engines and envisioned new technological advancements in various sectors, including public transport.
“Small cities will play a major role in fields like medicine, education, or innovation,” the PM said.
Following the opposition's walkout, he continued his speech in the Rajya Sabha, expressing sympathy for the Chairman of the House.
“I am duty-bound to be a servant of the people. I am accountable to people for every minute of my time,” he said while criticising the opposition for disrespecting the traditions of the House.
On farmers and horticulture, PM Modi highlighted the benefits of the Kisan Credit Card, which has simplified the loan process for small farmers, and mentioned its extension to fishermen and animal keepers.
He also spoke about welfare schemes for small farmers, particularly the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, which has benefitted 10 crore farmers by disbursing about Rs 3 lakh crore over the last six years.
Contrasting with previous regimes, the PM underscored the inadequacy of past loan waiver schemes and emphasised the credibility of the current Kisan Kalyan Schemes.
He said that his government provided a record Rs 12 lakh crore in fertiliser subsidies to poor farmers, the highest since independence.
PM Modi said that there was a significant increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the government's new records in purchasing from farmers.
“We have delivered 2.5 times more money to paddy and wheat farmers over the last 10 years,” he said, highlighting ongoing efforts to solve problems in new sectors and initiate the world’s largest food storage campaign, including the construction of numerous granaries.
The PM stressed the importance of horticulture and the government’s efforts to enhance infrastructure for its safe storage, transport, and sale.
“The government has continually expanded the scope of India’s development journey with the root mantra of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas,” he said.
PM Modi highlighted the government's priority to provide a life of dignity for all citizens, mentioning initiatives for 'Divyang' individuals and the implementation of a law for transgenders, who had even received prestigious Padma awards under his government.
He said that a welfare board for nomadic and semi-nomadic communities and steps for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) with a Rs 24,000 crore allocation under the Jan Man Scheme were also discussed.
The PM said that these initiatives reflect the government’s focus on development politics rather than vote politics.
He lauded the contributions of Vishwakarma to India’s development and highlighted the Rs 13,000 crore initiative to transform their lives through skill development.
PM Modi said that the PM SvaNidhi scheme enabled street hawkers to avail bank loans and increase their incomes.
“Be it poor, Dalits, backward community, tribals or women, they have fully supported us,” he said.
On women-led development, women’s health, sanitation, and wellness, the PM highlighted that most of the 4 crore houses given to the poor had been registered in women’s names and mentioned schemes like Mudra and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojna that had empowered women economically.
“So far, 1 crore women in self-help groups have become Lakhpati Didis, and we aim to increase this number by 3 crores,” he said, expressing hope for women’s leadership in new sectors.
Addressing violence against women in West Bengal, PM Modi criticised the politicisation of women’s issues.
Recalling the 1977 Lok Sabha elections, he condemned the suppression of press and radio and the atrocities during the Emergency.
The PM criticised the opposition's avoidance of discussing this period and mentioned various constitutional amendments that tampered with the constitution’s spirit.
He also chastised the appointment of the National Advisory Council (NAC) for overriding cabinet decisions.
PM Modi expressed concern about the opposition’s tendency to protect the corrupt and rejected accusations of misusing enforcement agencies.
He highlighted the government’s anti-corruption measures like laws against black money and benami properties, and the implementation of direct benefit transfers.
“Fight against corruption is not an electoral matter for me but it is a mission for me,” the PM said, underscoring the government’s dedication to poor welfare schemes and anti-corruption laws since 2014.
Reflecting on his experience as a former chief minister, he emphasised the importance of federalism and strengthening cooperative and competitive federalism.
“We held important G20 programmes in every state to promote their capabilities on the global stage,” PM Modi said.
He also highlighted the extensive discussions and deliberations between the state and centre during the COVID pandemic.
“India is guiding the next revolution in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing,” the PM said, encouraging states to compete in development, good governance, policy formation, generating employment, and attracting foreign investments.
He expressed confidence that every state has an opportunity when the world is knocking on India’s doors.
“The competition among states will create new opportunities for our youth,” PM Modi said, citing Assam’s fast-paced work in semiconductor-related fields.
He also emphasised the importance of enhancing ‘Ease of Living’ through efficient government decision-making, delivery, and governance.
“Efficiency brings transparency into the system, protecting citizens' rights and eliminating uncertainties,” the PM said.
He stressed the need to reduce government interference in citizens’ lives while maintaining support for those in need.
Reiterating the President’s concern over recent paper leaks, PM Modi assured the youth that his government was taking strict action against those compromising the future of the country.
“We will not let them go unpunished,” he said. “We are strengthening the whole system to ensure that our youth do not have to live under any kind of doubt and can showcase their potential confidently.”
Addressing climate change, the PM acknowledged the increasing natural calamities and encouraged all states to fight together.
“We must work collectively to provide potable water and upgrade health services,” he said.
Reiterating that the current century belongs to India, PM Modi said, “We cannot afford to miss this opportunity.”
He emphasised the necessity of reforms and devolving more decision-making power to citizens for progress and growth.
“Viksit Bharat is the mission of 140 crore citizens,” the PM said, urging unity to achieve this goal. “India is the first choice of the world for investment.”
He encouraged states to seize the opportunity.
PM Modi thanked the President for her guidance and the issues raised in her address.
“Together, we will build a developed and prosperous India,” he said.
