Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday accused the Opposition of abandoning its role of questioning government policies and instead becoming an “obstructive force” against national development.
Addressing the National Unity Day celebrations in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, he also warned against attempts to divide society and spread misinformation.
Marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Modi said the Opposition had shifted from Virodh Paksh (opposition) to Avrodh Paksh (obstruction).
He alleged that political frustration was driving efforts to stall development and undermine the Constitution.
Without naming Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Modi questioned the purpose of certain foreign meetings and alleged links with “anti-India forces”.
He also accused unnamed groups of using social media to spread rumours and damage India’s image.
On poverty reduction, the Prime Minister cited a World Bank report, claiming that 500 million Indians had moved out of extreme poverty over the past 10-12 years.
He referred to free foodgrain distribution, healthcare, housing, toilets, clean cooking fuel and insurance coverage as measures supporting households.
Modi said the country had fulfilled its promise to eliminate Naxalism and Maoism, but warned that “dimagi Naxals” remained a concern.
Recalling Patel’s role in integrating more than 550 princely states, he urged citizens to protect national unity and work towards a developed India by 2047.
Earlier, Modi paid tribute to Patel at the Statue of Unity, inaugurated projects and laid foundation stones for works worth over Rs 400 crore. He also visited the Rain Forest and Vaman Vruksh Vatika in Ekta Nagar.
