PM Modi at SRCC: GDP swipe at Opposition

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India's 7.8 per cent quarterly GDP growth has boosted national confidence, while indirectly criticizing political opponents as 'Naraz Fufa' (upset uncle) during an address at Delhi University's Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) on Saturday. He also warned Pakistan that India's armed forces would strike inside its territory in response to any terrorist misadventure.

Modi arrived at the college to attend its centenary celebrations. The speech, delivered to students, blended economic messaging with political rhetoric and national security assertions.

Economic Growth and Political Critique

Modi framed the latest GDP figures as a rebuttal to previous governments. "Those who became infamous for pushing India into the 'Fragile Five' are finding these figures difficult to digest," he said, according to the Hindustan Times report. He contrasted his government's approach with that of past administrations, accusing them of a reactive style. "Those who governed the country for a long time had a particular style: wake up only when there is a fire, and dig a well only when there is a drought," Modi stated.

He repeatedly targeted a group he termed 'Naraz Fufa,' a label widely interpreted as a dig at the opposition. "You will meet two kinds of people. One kind transforms the strength of society into the strength of the nation." Modi said. He claimed this group opposed major projects like the Statue of Unity and high-speed rail, asking "What is the need for this?"

Security and Foreign Policy Assertions

The Prime Minister asserted significant gains in internal security and a more assertive foreign policy. "Today, those spreading terrorism are on the back foot," he said, specifically addressing Pakistan. "If Pakistan indulges in any misadventure, India's armed forces enter their territory and strike."

He claimed progress in several conflict zones. "Peace has increased from Jammu and Kashmir to the Northeast. The back of Maoist terrorism and Naxalism has been broken," Modi said. He argued that global perception has shifted from concern over "India's policy paralysis" to praise for "India's policy dynamism."

Modi also referenced his recent Independence Day speech, where he spoke of 'Dimagi Naxals' or intellectual Naxals. He described his comments as a "homoeopathic pill" that caused the "disease" to surface, allowing the public to see "the true colours of those who are promoting this illness."

Congress Dismisses Speech as PR

The Congress party swiftly criticized the address. At a press conference, Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar called it a "PR campaign." "Schools and colleges are closing in the country, you can't even conduct one exam properly, and by going to the university, you're running your PR campaign by taking students into 'custody'," Kumar said.

He accused Modi of ignoring substantive educational issues. "For the past two days, students at Delhi University had been assuming that PM Modi was coming to talk about the education system." Kumar stated, adding that Modi did not mention recent student protests at Jantar Mantar. Kumar linked the visit to upcoming campus elections, saying, "SRCC, which has given so much to the country, has also been turned into Modi's election platform."

In his speech, Modi concluded by praising student ambition, linking it to a changed national environment. "Thirteen years ago, your seniors could not dream such dreams." he told the gathering.