Those mocking 'Make in India' have now become joke: PM Modi's fierce attack on Congress in Lok Sabha

“We are firm believers in democracy. And, we also believe that criticism is an essential part of democracy. But, blind opposition to everything is never the way ahead," he emphasised while replying to the motion of thanks on the President’s Address in Lok Sabha.

The Prime Minister slammed the Congress party for using the pandemic situation for political gains.

Criticising them for pushing people to break lockdown guidelines, PM Modi said: "In the time of coronavirus, the Congress crossed all limits. When experts advised staying where you are, Congress encouraged migrant labourers to move."

"During the first wave, you (Congress) gave free train tickets to migrant workers to leave Mumbai. At the same time, the Delhi government told migrant workers to leave the city and provided them with buses. As a result, Covid spread rapidly in Punjab, UP and Uttarakhand," Modi slammed even the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi.

Modi also took a dig at the blind opposition to efforts that should be universally supported.

“If we are talking about being vocal for local, are we not fulfilling the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi? Then, why was it being mocked by the Opposition? We talked about Yoga and Fit India but that was mocked by the Opposition too," he said.

“The world has taken note of India's economic strides and that too in the middle of a once in a lifetime global pandemic," he added.

On handling COVID-19:

During his address, PM Modi recalled the flu pandemic a hundred years ago and noted that most of the deaths were due to hunger.

He stressed that in the current pandemic, no Indian was allowed to die of hunger and one of the biggest social security measures was taken.

“The Government of India ensured that over 80 crore fellow Indians get access to free ration in the midst of the pandemic. It is our commitment that no Indian has to remain hungry," he claimed.

On farmers' issues:

The Prime Minister stressed that the only effective way of dealing with poverty is taking care of the concerns of the small farmers.

He lamented that small farmers have been ignored for very long.

“Those who have ruled the nation for so many years and are used to living in palatial houses have forgotten to speak about the welfare of the small farmer. For India's progress, it is important to empower the small farmer. The small farmer will strengthen India's progress," he said in yet another direct attack on Congress.

On economic development:

PM Modi also spoke of the new mentality of Aatmnirbharta which has been pushed by innovative policies. He highlighted the harnessing of the talent and youth of country via opening new sectors.

“We do not believe only Governments can solve all problems. We believe in the people of the nation, the youth of the nation. Take the start-up sector for example. The number of start-ups have risen and this shows the strength of our people," he said highlighting the rise of a 'quality unicorn' in recent times.

The Prime Minister said, “We do not agree with the approach of scaring our youth, wealth creators and entrepreneurs.”

He said that oppositions' mocking of ‘Make in India’ amounts to mocking the entrepreneurship of India, the youth of the country and the industry of media.

"They dare to say in the Parliament that 'Make In India' cant happen. Today, India's youth and entrepreneurs have done it, you (opposition) have become a joke. Make In India's success is giving you pain, I can understand. Make in India means commissions will end, corruption will end, filling coffers will end - that's why it gives them pain," PM Modi said in another scathing blow to the opposition.

He also maintained that being self-reliant in the defence sector is among the biggest national service.

On inflation:

The Prime Minister said in the past inflation was explained away by giving the excuse of global problems, whereas India, today, is tackling inflation despite difficult global scenario without making excuses for that.

“Nation, for us is a living soul, not just an arrangement of power or government," he said.

He cited Puranas and Subramania Bharathi to elaborate on an all-encompassing concept of India where the entire India is treated as a living soul.

He narrated the respect given to CDA Gen Bipin Rawat by the people of Tamil Nadu as an example of pan-India national sentiment.