Modi crosses Nehru’s record of 4398 days in power as elected PM

Viksit Bharat dream has become resolve of every person

NEW DELHI, June 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a blistering attack on the Congress, saying the sluggish economic growth during its rule was cunningly dubbed the "Hindu growth rate" when it should have been named the "Congress growth rate" as it was characterised by a complete absence of governance.

Addressing a conclave of NDA leaders on a day when he crossed the record of Jawaharlal Nehru's 4,398 days in power as an elected Prime Minister, Modi said a big success of 12 years of NDA rule since 2014 was that it freed the country from the Congress's "vicious trap" and asserted that the people of the country have understood the importance of political stability and decisive governance.

The sluggish growth under the Congress rule was labelled the "Hindu growth rate", implying that while the style, responsibility, and failure were all Congress's but the stigma was pinned on the country's vast Hindu population, Modi said.

At the conclave, a resolution was passed congratulating Modi on becoming the longest continuously serving elected Prime Minister.

"On this occasion, the members of the NDA family have presented a resolution. I view this not as a personal achievement, but as a testament to your generosity and our collective efforts. From every perspective, this accomplishment belongs to all of us -- it is equally the achievement of every NDA member. Therefore, I dedicate this resolution to all members of the NDA, including the dedicated BJP karykartas," he said.

In the resolution, the ruling alliance hailed Modi's "visionary leadership and tireless dedication to public service" and said his governance model is responsive to citizens, innovative in its approach and transformative in its impact, in the true spirit of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas'.

In his 37-minute speech largely focussed on his Government's achievements of the last 12 years and his vision for achieving Viksit Bharat, Modi said the dream of a 'Viksit Bharat' does not belong to a person or any party, but has become the resolve of every person in the country.

"We recognise the challenges faced by the middle class, as well as their aspirations for a better future. To support them, income up to Rs 12 lakh per annum is now tax-free. Today, the country benefits from a simple and faceless tax system. Improved infrastructure has made daily life easier, and over the past 12 years, new opportunities have been created for the children, students and the middle class," he said.

Attacking the Congress, he said the party had plunged the country into an abyss of "helplessness, destitution, and an inferiority complex" during its rule.

He attributed the stronger economic growth during the 12 years of his government to the difference between the Congress growth rate and the NDA growth rate.

"The nation was conditioned to believe that development in India inevitably moves at a slow pace and rapid growth was simply not possible here. With great cunningness, this sluggish growth was labelled the 'Hindu Growth Rate', implying that while the style, responsibility, and failure were all Congress' but the stigma was pinned on the country's vast Hindu population," Modi said.

"This should have been named 'Congress Growth Rate'. This 'Congress Growth Rate' was characterised by a complete absence of governance, policy, intent, and decisiveness," he said.

It was under Atal Bihari Vajpayee's leadership that the NDA Government first came to power and only then did the country catch a glimpse of what accelerated development looks like, Modi said.

"Unfortunately, however, in 2004, the country was once again caught in a cycle of instability," he said, referring to the Congress-led UPA rule from 2004-2014.

He said the Congress dragged the country into multi-crore rupee scams.

"The nation's destiny changed again when the NDA Government was formed in 2014. The country witnessed the pace of development when intent, policy, and decision-making align and work in unison," Modi said.

Meanwhile, Modi expressed his gratitude for the good wishes conveyed by people for his feat of becoming the longest continuously serving elected PM of India and said he considers it a privilege to have the opportunity to serve Bharat.

"Deeply touched by the good wishes conveyed by people from all walks of life today and over the last few days. While I may not have been able to respond to each message individually, I cherish every greeting conveyed," he said in a post on X.

The PM said he considers it a privilege to have the opportunity to serve Bharat and contribute to the nation's development journey.

"Over the years, the people of India have repeatedly voted for stability, good governance and development. Their trust has been my greatest source of strength. I remain fully committed to working with even greater dedication to realise the vision of a Viksit Bharat and fulfil the aspirations of 140 crore Indians," Modi said. (PTI)

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Cabinet hails Modi on becoming longest serving elected PM

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution applauding Narendra Modi for becoming the longest continuously serving elected Prime Minister and termed it a historic milestone in the journey of Indian democracy.

The Cabinet members also gave Modi a standing ovation for the achievement.

The resolution, adopted at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Modi, congratulated him on surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru's record of 4,398 days as elected prime minister, and expressed confidence that under his leadership, India would continue to "scale new heights as a self-reliant, secure and prosperous nation".

The Cabinet backed Modi's vision of a "Viksit Bharat" and praised his leadership on national security, inclusive growth and social justice.

In strong endorsement of Government's political and developmental agenda, the Cabinet expressed its "full support" for Modi's leadership in building a developed India by 2047 and lauded "his tireless dedication to public service".

The resolution appreciated Modi's efforts towards "inclusive growth and social justice" and praised his leadership in strengthening national security and protecting India's interests.

The Cabinet also credited the prime minister with driving welfare programmes for the poor and empowering marginalised sections, noting that more than 25 crore people had overcome poverty during his tenure.

The resolution comes as the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance Government completes 12 years in office.

Modi became the longest-serving Prime Minister in nearly two years into the NDA's third consecutive term -- a feat achieved by a prime minister after six decades.

On May 26, 2014, Modi took charge as India's Prime Minister after the BJP's landslide victory. He got re-elected with a bigger mandate in 2019 and his second term began on May 30 of the same year. His third consecutive term started on June 9, 2024.

"This occasion symbolizes the strength of India's democratic consciousness, public trust, and people's participation.

"When a public representative lives by the resolve of 'Nation First', when he makes truth, integrity, hard work, honesty, and probity in life his guiding principles, and remaining steadfastly dedicated to serving the people - then the public bestows its blessings upon him in the form of unprecedented support. Today's historic moment is a reflection of that same public blessing," the resolution said.

Asked what the Prime Minister said on the occasion, I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said he underlined his commitment of continuing to serve the people earnestly and work harder than before.

The prime minister also urged his cabinet colleagues to understand and work towards achieving the people's aspirations, Vaishnaw said.

He said the basic message was that "we must continue to focus on serving our citizens and we must do that with full vigour, connect with grassroots, and make all our schemes which help fulfill the aspirations of people".

The resolution highlighted that after six decades, the country has given a mandate to the NDA Government for a third consecutive term under Modi's leadership.

"We are proud that our leadership is in such capable hands who have sensitivity, restraint, intention and decisive ability," it said.

"The Union Cabinet expresses confidence that under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India will continue to scale new heights as a self-reliant, secure, prosperous, and proud nation, and will strengthen the path towards becoming a developed nation by 2047," it said, while wishing the prime minister good health and long life. (PTI)