“Breaking the Wall of Article 370 Was Our Historic Opportunity”: PM Modi at Atal Vajpayee’s 101st Birth Anniversary in Lucknow
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party takes pride in the fact that it was given the historic opportunity to dismantle the “wall of Article 370,” describing it as the fulfilment of a long-standing ideological commitment.
He underlined that the mission of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya had become his own dream and guiding vision in governance.
Addressing a large gathering in Lucknow at the inauguration of the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal on the occasion of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 101st birth anniversary, Modi reflected on the evolution of governance in India.
He remarked that for decades, governance was narrowly understood as raising slogans like “Garibi Hatao”, whereas Atal Bihari Vajpayee translated the idea of good governance into tangible action on the ground.
Atal Ji Changed the Way India Thought
Paying tribute to Vajpayee, the Prime Minister said that Atal Ji transformed the national mindset by linking administration directly with public welfare.
He noted that the foundations of digital identity, rural road connectivity, and modern transport infrastructure were laid during Vajpayee’s tenure.
Highlighting infrastructure growth under the current government, Modi said that over the last 11 years, nearly four lakh kilometres of new roads have been added in rural areas, while eight lakh kilometres of roads have been built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
He also credited Vajpayee’s government with ushering in a telecom revolution that significantly expanded convenience and access for ordinary citizens.
Taking a sharp swipe at the Congress and dynastic politics, Modi said it must not be forgotten that after Independence, a culture developed where every major national achievement was attributed to a single family, undermining collective contribution and democratic ethos.
95 Crore Indians Now Under Social Security Cover
The Prime Minister said that in the last decade, crores of Indians have moved out of poverty.
He pointed out that before 2014, only around 25 crore people were covered under social security schemes, whereas today 95 crore Indians are protected by some form of social security.
He stressed that development cannot be measured by statistics alone, but by the smile on the face of the last person in the queue.
According to him, for the first time, the poorest of the poor have access to housing, toilets, electricity, gas connections, tap water, and healthcare—what he described as the true meaning of justice and secularism.
Rajnath Singh Recalls Atal Ji’s Wit and Statesmanship
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the people of Lucknow shared a close and personal bond with Atal Bihari Vajpayee and were well acquainted with his warm humour.
Recalling an incident from Vajpayee’s visit to Pakistan, Singh narrated how Atal Ji, when jokingly proposed marriage by a Pakistani woman journalist, quipped that he would accept—if Pakistan was given as dowry.
Singh described Vajpayee’s contribution to Indian politics, society, and culture as incomparable.
He also paid tribute to renowned sculptor Ram Sutar and artisan Mantu Ram for crafting the statues, and congratulated Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for establishing such an inspiring national monument in Lucknow.
From Garbage Dump to National Inspiration
Prime Minister Modi lauded Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the construction of the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal, noting that the land where it now stands had, for decades, been covered by a massive garbage mound spread over more than 30 acres.
Over the last three years, the waste was completely cleared and transformed into a landmark of national pride.
Modi congratulated the workers, artisans, planners, and especially Yogi and his team for their dedication.
Lucknow’s BrahMos Showcases India’s Defence Might
Speaking on Make in India and defence self-reliance, Modi said India is rapidly moving towards Atmanirbharta in the defence sector.
He highlighted the defence corridor being developed in Lucknow and said that the world witnessed the power of the BrahMos missile during Operation Sindoor—a missile that is now being manufactured in Lucknow itself.
He expressed confidence that Uttar Pradesh’s defence corridor would soon gain a distinct place on the global defence production map.
NDA Committed to Welfare of the Poor
Rajnath Singh said Prime Minister Modi has undertaken transformative work for villages, the poor, and farmers.
Referring to reforms in rural employment schemes, he said that where irregularities once plagued MNREGA, new legislation has strengthened transparency and expanded workdays from 100 to 125, while also boosting local infrastructure development.
He added that one of the defining principles of the last decade has been instilling pride in India’s great leaders and heritage—an ethos reinforced by PM Modi.
Three Icons, One Vision
Singh said that inspired by this philosophy, grand statues of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee have been installed at the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal—leaders who gave independent India dignity, self-respect, and a new identity.
Recalling Dr Mukherjee’s sacrifice for national unity, Singh said the abrogation of Article 370 fulfilled his lifelong resolve.
He noted that Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s philosophy of Integral Humanism and Antyodaya continues to guide the NDA government in building a strong, self-reliant, and self-respecting India.
A New Vision for India: Yogi Adityanath
Addressing the event, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the legacy of DDrShyama Prasad Mukherjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee has given India a renewed vision.
He said their dreams are now becoming reality, filling every Indian with pride and joy.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the 65-foot-tall bronze statues of DrDrukherjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, along with a digital museum at the site.
Yogi added that Dr Drkherjee had once raised the slogan of “One Nation, One Constitution, One Flag”, and today, that vision stands realised.
