PM Modi Criticizes Opposition for “Full of Negativity” in Independence Day Address

The Prime Minister recently criticized his rivals and critics for being “full of negativity,” alleging that “some people don’t want to see India grow.” He also cautioned against the glorification of corruption. This sharp attack followed a tumultuous first Parliament session of his third term, during which conflicts arose between the government and the opposition on various issues such as the Waqf Bill, the rising cost of living, and the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics.

Additionally, tensions escalated due to the political crisis in Bangladesh. A significant point of contention was the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, with the Congress accusing parts of it of being copied from their manifesto. The opposition also claimed that there was a lack of funds for states not governed by the BJP or its allies.

They highlighted financial packages for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, both ruled by key BJP allies Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu. The government, however, refuted these allegations, asserting that all states received sufficient attention. In her response in Parliament, Nirmala Sitharaman pointed to budget speeches made by earlier governments, notably those led by the Congress, to support her argument.

She highlighted that in budget speeches from previous years, many states were not mentioned, including in 2004-05, 2006-07, and 2009. She specifically referenced Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in 2009, and questioned whether money did not go to those states during the Congress-led UPA government’s tenure.