‘Protests Seeking Accountability Are Necessary, But Congress Destroys Them,’ Says PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Congress of undermining reform movements and denying emerging opposition leaders opportunities during his NDTV World Summit address. He criticised the party’s leadership strategy amid continuing Delhi protests over electoral roll revisions, demands for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and restrictions on public demonstrations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday accused the Congress of weakening movements demanding accountability and reforms, saying such protests were essential in a democracy but were being undermined by the opposition party.

Speaking at the NDTV World Summit, Modi alleged that the Congress was preventing young opposition leaders from getting opportunities while attempting to keep only one person in the spotlight.

His remarks came amid a series of demonstrations in Delhi over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls, demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and restrictions on the right to protest.

‘Congress Destroys Movements Seeking Reforms’

Emphasising the importance of public movements in a democracy, Modi accused the Congress of undermining protests that sought to expose shortcomings in governance and bring about systemic changes.

Emphasising the importance of public movements in a democracy, Modi accused the Congress of undermining protests that sought to expose shortcomings in governance and bring about systemic changes.

“Movements that naturally seek to highlight the government’s shortcomings and bring about reforms in the system are also necessary in a democracy. But Congress destroys these movements as well. It has become a parasite that does not want anyone else to move forward,” he said.

The Prime Minister also alleged that the Congress was unwilling to give emerging opposition leaders a platform and remained focused on promoting a single individual.

“Congress does not allow others to get an opportunity. It wants to keep only one person in the limelight and does not listen to the voices of young leaders in the opposition,” the prime minister said.

Modi Takes Swipe At Congress Leadership

Modi also criticised the Congress over its repeated attempts to promote its leadership, drawing a comparison with rocket launches from Sriharikota.

“I don’t know how long Congress will continue putting the country’s interests at stake to launch its failed product. In a year, there are not as many launches from Sriharikota as the number of failed attempts Congress makes to launch its leader,” he said.

The Prime Minister further accused the party of compromising India’s reputation to protect its leadership from political setbacks.

“Congress can continue on its path of decline; we have no problem with that. But to protect its family from repeated failures, it is putting the country’s reputation on trial. The grapes are so sour that Congress is trying to cut down the very vine that bears them,” Modi said.