In the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the capital city of Delhi, while an opposition general meeting took place in Bengaluru.
During the NDA meeting, the focus was on consolidating all alliance members for the upcoming elections. Prime Minister Modi delivered a powerful speech, lasting approximately one hour, in which he launched scathing attacks on the opposition. He emphasized that the NDA is dedicated to the country’s development and enjoys the trust of the people. He also extended a warm welcome to new members of the NDA.
Key Points from PM Narendra Modi’s Speech:
- PM Modi underscored the NDA’s commitment to the nation’s progress, highlighting that positive politics has always been their approach. He affirmed that the NDA has never resorted to negative politics, disrespecting the mandate or seeking support from external forces.
- Explaining the essence of the NDA, the Prime Minister stated that N stands for New India, D represents Developed Nation, and A symbolizes the Aspiration of the People. He highlighted that the NDA enjoys the trust of various segments of society, including the youth, women, middle class, Dalits, and underprivileged.
- Taking aim at opposition alliances, PM Modi warned that when alliances are based on corruption or driven by familial or caste considerations, they harm the country’s interests.
- The Prime Minister emphasized that the NDA places the nation’s security, progress, and empowerment of the people as its top priorities. He underscored the legacy of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who played a crucial role in forming the NDA, and the ongoing guidance of L.K. Advani.
- PM Modi clarified that the NDA was not created to remove any particular party from power but to ensure stability in the country. He criticized the Congress for misusing alliances in the past, leading to government instability.
- Referring to the period before 2014, the Prime Minister highlighted the drawbacks of coalition governments, including policy paralysis, indecisiveness, corruption, and scams worth lakhs and crores of rupees.
- Despite facing relentless criticism from the opposition, PM Modi affirmed that the NDA government has prioritized national interests over party interests. He cited examples such as conferring Bharat Ratna on Pranab Mukherjee and awarding Padma honors to leaders like Mulayam Singh Yadav, Sharad Pawar, and Ghulam Nabi Azad.
The NDA meeting saw the participation of BJP President JP Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, as well as several new and long-standing allies, including Ajit Pawar, Eknath Shinde, Chirag Paswan, Upendra Kushwaha, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Omprakash Rajbhar, Anupriya Patel, and Sanjay Nishad.