PM Modi targets Congress over Emergency Era actions, emphasizes BJP’s 'Nation First' approach

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a swipe at the Congress party over freedom of speech, referring to historical incidents during the Emergency period, including the arrests of poet Majrooh Sultanpuri and actor Balraj Sahni, as well as the ban on Dev Anand's films on Doordarshan.

Responding to the discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, PM Modi stated that the word “Constitution” does not suit Congress, as the party had handcuffed leaders like George Fernandes during the Emergency.

Referring to actor Dev Anand's courage in defying the government’s demands during the Emergency, PM Modi shared, "Dev Anand was requested to support the Emergency publicly. However, he clearly refused. He showed courage, and therefore, all the films of Dev Anand were banned on Doordarshan."

Dev Anand, who was among several artists targeted for refusing to support the Emergency, chronicled his experiences in his book Romancing with Life. His films were banned from being aired on TV after his refusal to endorse the Emergency on Doordarshan.

The Prime Minister also compared the BJP's model of development with that of Congress, stating that while the BJP focuses on "nation first," the Congress is centered around "Family first," referring to the Gandhi family.

"Expecting 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' from Congress would be a huge mistake. It is beyond their thinking, and it also doesn't suit their roadmap because the whole party is dedicated only to one family," PM Modi remarked.

In a critique of the Congress’s approach to governance, PM Modi highlighted his government’s focus on "santushtikaran" (satisfaction) instead of "tushtikaran" (appeasement).

"After 2014, India got an alternate model of governance. This model is not focused on appeasement, but on satisfaction," he said, pointing to the contrast with the Congress party's policies.

Focusing on Rahul Gandhi’s push for a caste census, the Prime Minister warned of attempts to spread caste-based divisions in society.

"For many years, OBC MPs from all parties had been demanding Constitutional status for the OBC panel. But their demand was rejected, as it might not have suited their (Congress) politics. But we gave constitutional status to this panel," he said.

PM Modi also responded to opposition attacks on the BJP’s alleged attempts to undermine the Constitution, claiming that it was Congress that "hated" Dr. BR Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. He criticized the Congress for denying Ambedkar the Bharat Ratna and for attempting to defeat him in elections.

"It is well documented how much anger and hatred Congress had towards Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar. They never considered Baba Saheb worthy of the Bharat Ratna award. The party also tried to defeat Ambedkar twice in elections. But today, due to compulsions, they have to raise the slogan of 'Jai Bheem'," PM Modi said.

In the 1952 Lok Sabha election, Ambedkar lost to Congress’s Narayan Kajrolkar, and he was defeated again in the 1954 by-election in Bhandara.