Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday criticised Congress’ economic policies, saying they ignored India’s potential and kept the nation entangled in the license-quota raj. Speaking at a public meeting in Bhavnagar, he emphasised the need for self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) to strengthen India on the global stage.
“India must become Atmanirbhar and stand strong before the world. India has no shortage of potential, but after independence, Congress ignored all of India’s potential,” PM Modi said. He added that India’s progress was hampered first by the license-quota raj and later by over-reliance on imports during the era of globalisation.
The Prime Minister also highlighted corruption under Congress’ UPA rule, stating, “Scams worth thousands, lakhs, and crores were committed. The policies of the Congress governments caused great harm to the country’s youth and prevented India’s true strength from being revealed.”
PM Modi described foreign dependence as the country’s “biggest enemy”. He said, “For global peace, stability, and prosperity, the country with the world’s largest population must become self-reliant. If we remain dependent on others, our self-respect will be hurt. We cannot leave the future of 1.4 billion countrymen to others.”
He also reiterated India’s efforts to achieve energy self-reliance, noting the country’s previous dependence on imported crude oil and gas and the associated economic impact. “It was necessary to change this situation. That is why India has embarked on the path of becoming self-reliant for its energy needs,” he said.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 34,200 crore at the ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ event in Bhavnagar, reflecting his government’s focus on holistic and sustainable growth.
