Modi Accuses Opposition of Hindering National Progress, Calls for Vigilance Against Forces Dividing India

EKTA NAGAR (GUJARAT): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Opposition, accusing it of abandoning its democratic responsibility and obstructing the country’s development.

Speaking at the National Unity Day celebrations in Gujarat, he also cautioned against what he described as organised attempts to weaken India’s unity through misinformation, foreign influence and divisive activities.

Modi’s remarks came on a politically charged day when the INDIA bloc held what it described as a public impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Without limiting his speech to the immediate political confrontation, the Prime Minister used the occasion to outline what he considers major challenges to national cohesion and India’s long-term development.

Addressing the gathering at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Narmada district, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Modi said a healthy democracy required an Opposition that questioned government decisions and offered alternative policies.

However, he alleged that the present Opposition had become more interested in disrupting governance than performing its constitutional role.

He used the expression ‘Avrodh Paksh’ (force of obstruction) instead of the conventional term ‘Virodh Paksh’ (Opposition), claiming that political frustration was driving attempts to derail development initiatives.

He further accused Opposition forces of showing disregard for the Constitution and the institutions it represents.

Modi flags alleged attempts to weaken India’s unity

The Prime Minister also warned that certain groups were working to create divisions within the country. He urged citizens to pay attention to alleged connections between individuals operating abroad and forces hostile to India’s interests.

Without naming specific individuals or organisations, Modi questioned who was interacting with whom outside the country and whether some domestic voices were echoing positions taken by India’s adversaries.

He called for collective vigilance against such activities.

Social media, he said, had emerged as a particularly serious challenge, with fabricated narratives, rumours and content intended to damage India’s international reputation being circulated. Modi appealed to citizens to exercise caution and resist attempts to manipulate public opinion through digital platforms.

Declares Maoist insurgency severely weakened, warns against ideological influence

Recalling his National Unity Day address a year earlier, Modi said he had then expressed his determination to see India free from Maoist violence.

He claimed that the objective had now been substantially achieved, asserting that the organisational and operational strength of Naxalism had been broken.

According to the Prime Minister, insurgent influence had been eliminated from several remote areas that had remained affected by extremist violence for years.

However, he cautioned that what he termed ‘Dimagi Naxalism’ or intellectual Naxalism continued to pose a challenge.

He called for vigilance against individuals and groups whom he believes promote extremist ideology through intellectual or social platforms, even as the armed Maoist threat has weakened.

Secular Civil Code, border security among next priorities

Turning to the government’s future agenda, Modi identified border protection, curbing illegal infiltration and addressing demographic changes as important national priorities.

He also advocated progress towards a secular civil code, presenting it as part of the country’s broader reform agenda.

He acknowledged that major national initiatives would encounter resistance and political opposition but maintained that such challenges should not weaken India’s determination to move forward.

The Prime Minister reiterated his vision of building a developed India by 2047, when the country will mark a century of independence.

He said the principles of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and the pursuit of national development must remain central to public life and governance.

Modi stressed that the India of 2047 should not merely be economically prosperous but also resilient, sustainable and capable of meeting future challenges.

He called upon citizens to make this long-term national objective a shared commitment.

Global instability makes national solidarity essential, says PM

The Prime Minister also referred to the international economic and energy situation, arguing that global instability had created serious difficulties for several countries.

He said restrictions on petrol and diesel purchases in different parts of the world had highlighted the vulnerability of nations dependent on imported energy.

India, despite its large population and reliance on overseas petroleum supplies, had managed to shield its citizens from the worst consequences of the crisis, he claimed.

Modi described this as an outcome of effective diplomacy, strategic planning and public cooperation.

He said the government’s efforts to manage external pressures had been accompanied by attempts by certain domestic elements to spread rumours and create uncertainty.

However, he maintained that citizens had remained united behind the country during the difficult period, describing public solidarity as one of India’s greatest sources of strength.

Pointing to ongoing conflicts, economic pressures and disruptions in international supply networks, Modi said the global environment remained uncertain.

Many countries, he noted, were struggling with shortages of resources and the economic consequences of wars and geopolitical tensions.

In such circumstances, he argued, India’s ability to remain united would be crucial in overcoming external shocks. He said national solidarity would provide the confidence and resilience needed to confront future difficulties.

Modi pays tribute to Sardar Patel, inaugurates development projects

Earlier, the Prime Minister offered floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity.

In a message posted on X, he remembered the country’s first Deputy Prime Minister as the architect of an integrated India and a leader who devoted his life to building a strong and prosperous nation.

During the visit, Modi also inaugurated development initiatives intended to improve tourism facilities and civic infrastructure around the Statue of Unity complex.

The National Unity Day programme, held annually on Patel’s birth anniversary, provided the Prime Minister an occasion to reiterate his message of national integration while setting out the political, security and developmental priorities he believes will shape India’s future.