Former Vice-President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu, issued a strong caution on Monday against the proliferation of indiscriminate freebies, arguing that such handouts risk turning citizens into idlers rather than empowering them. He made these remarks while speaking at an event in Hyderabad commemorating the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
A Call for Prudent Welfare, Not Handouts
Naidu emphasized that government welfare efforts should be strategically limited to providing quality free education and healthcare, which he views as fundamental rights that build human capital. Without directly naming any specific scheme, he made an oblique reference to initiatives like free bus travel for women, questioning whether women themselves had demanded such concessions.
The former Vice-President stressed that the core objective should be to encourage a culture of hard work and self-reliance. "People should be encouraged to work hard, not depend on hand-outs," he asserted, urging the public to collectively "bid farewell to freebies." His comments add to a significant national debate on the economic and social impact of populist welfare measures.
Remembering Vajpayee's Legacy of Dignity and Development
Shifting focus to honour the late Prime Minister, Naidu painted a picture of Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a leader who commanded respect across political aisles. He noted that Vajpayee was often described as "a leader without enemies," a stark contrast to the current political climate.
Naidu specifically highlighted Vajpayee's monumental contribution to rural infrastructure through the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). This flagship scheme, he recalled, successfully connected countless villages across the country, transforming rural accessibility and economy.
Lamenting the Coarsening of Political Discourse
Expressing deep concern, Naidu lamented the visible decline in the quality of political discourse in contemporary times. He observed that political rivals are now often treated as outright enemies, and the language used in public life has severely deteriorated.
He contrasted this with Vajpayee's era, where the former PM projected India as a strong and dignified nation on the global stage, despite political disagreements at home. Naidu also touched upon international affairs, stating it was inappropriate for former US President Donald Trump to claim credit for global education and peace efforts.
In conclusion, while praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's political and diplomatic acumen, Naidu voiced concern over the rising tide of selfish motives driving society today. His speech served as both a critique of current populist trends and a nostalgic reflection on a bygone era of consensual politics embodied by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
