After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nearly 90-minute speech on India's Independence Day, opposition leaders tore into his remarks of "hoisting a national flag again in 2024". During his speech, Modi hailed his government's achievements and set a roadmap for the next five years. "I will see you again in 2024 when I will account India's achievements at Red Fort on August 15," he said.
PM Modi's remarks come ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. "Next year, on August 15 from this same Red Fort I will list out the progress achieved by the nation and sing paeans to your strength, your resolve and your success with greater confidence," Modi said. He also slammed 'dynasty politics' and 'nepotism' during his speech. Opposition leaders however, criticised his remarks saying that the speech was meant to mark a national day of importance and not a political event.
Opposition reactions
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge who skipped the event at Red Fort termed PM Modi's remarks as 'arrogant'. "To say that 'I will hoist the national flag again in 2024' shows arrogance. Commenting on the opposition even on Independence Day is not right," he said. Kharge had also earlier alleged that his mic was shut off when he stood up to speak in the parliament. "On one hand, they claim to abide by democratic values, on the other hand our voices are being muzzled," he said.
On PM Modi's 'next 15 August' remarks, Kharge said, "He will hoist the National Flag once again next year, he will do that at his home."
Congress leader Salman Khurshid too slammed PM's remarks on 'dynasty politics.' "It's a matter of great sadness if a leader or PM doesn't know the difference between a national day and a political event..." he said.
Retorting to his speech, NCP's Supriya Sule claimed that "nepotism is prevalent in every party". "He (PM) spoke on corruption and nepotism, but nepotism is prevalent in every party. I can recall Amit Shah's statement in the Lok Sabha when he said that 'when you point a finger at someone, three fingers are pointing at yourself'," she said.
The general elections are scheduled for April-May next year. Congress MP KC Venugopal said the people of the country will decide who will form the government in 2024. "In the 2024 elections people of the country will decide who is coming back & who is not. Let us at least wait for 2024..." he said.
