Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other 'pessimists' who he said constantly mock the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) campaign. Addressing a virtual event, Modi asserted that the initiative is not just a slogan but a vision to make India self-sufficient in manufacturing, defense, and technology.
Modi's Sharp Reply to Critics
Without naming Rahul Gandhi directly, the Prime Minister said, 'Some people in the country have made it their profession to criticize every effort towards self-reliance. They mock Atmanirbhar Bharat because they cannot see India's potential. These pessimists fail to understand that a strong India is in the interest of the world.' Modi's remarks come amid ongoing political sparring over the government's economic policies and the handling of the pandemic.
Atmanirbhar Bharat: A Vision for Future
The Prime Minister highlighted several achievements under the Atmanirbhar Bharat umbrella, including record defense exports, increased mobile phone manufacturing, and the production of indigenous vaccines. He said, 'We are not only meeting our own needs but also exporting to the world. This is the spirit of a self-reliant India.' He urged citizens to ignore the 'negative voices' and focus on nation-building.
Modi also took a dig at the opposition's track record, saying, 'Those who ruled for decades left India dependent on imports. We are changing that mindset.' He called upon the youth to become 'job creators' rather than 'job seekers' and emphasized the role of startups and small businesses in driving the economy.
Political Reactions
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera responded, saying the Prime Minister's attack was a diversion from real issues like unemployment and inflation. 'Instead of giving answers, Modi ji is busy abusing the opposition. Atmanirbhar Bharat has failed to create jobs,' Khera said. The war of words is expected to intensify as the next general elections approach.
The event also saw the launch of several initiatives aimed at boosting local manufacturing and skill development. Modi concluded by saying, 'India's time has come. Let us work together to make Atmanirbhar Bharat a reality.'
