From electoral freebies to Congress’ protest in black clothes, PM Modi's all-out attack at opposition

PM Modi also criticised the Congress’ last week protest in black clothes against the price rise and other issues and said those who believe in black magic will never earn trust of people. On August 5, Congress leaders wore black clothes as a mark of their protest against price rise, unemployment and GST hike on essential items.

TN National Desk

Updated Aug 10, 2022, 20:14 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Photo : ANI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reiterated his concern over electoral freebies and said that such things would prevent the country from becoming self-reliant and would only do a disservice to the nation as it hampers investment in new technology,

“Anyone can come and announce to give free petrol and diesel if their politics is self-centred. Such steps will take away rights from our children and prevent the country from becoming self-reliant. It will increase the burden on the taxpayers of the country,” he said after dedicating second-generation ethanol plant worth Rs 900 crore at Panipat to the nation.

Prime Minister Modi had last month cautioned people against what he called a “revadi (sweet) culture” under which political parties seek votes by promising freebies and said this could be “very dangerous” for development of the country.

Last week, the Supreme Court had asked stakeholders like the Centre, Niti Aayog, Finance Commission and the RBI, to brainstorm on the "serious" issue of freebies announced during elections and come up with “constructive suggestions” to tackle it.

The apex court said that no political party will oppose such handouts or like to debate it in Parliament as everybody wants this practice to continue.

The Centre has said the freebies distribution inevitably leads to future economic disaster and the voters also cannot exercise their right to choose as an informed, wise decision.

PM Modi also hit out at the Congress for protesting against the price rise and other issues by wearing black dresses and said those who believe in "black magic" will never be able to earn the trust of people again

"On August 5, we saw how some people tried to spread 'black magic' as they are immersed in despair and negativity. These people think that by wearing black clothes they can end their despondency. But they do not know that by engaging in witchcraft, black magic and superstition, they cannot earn the trust of people again," the Prime Minister said.

Congress leaders protested against the price rise, unemployment and GST hike on essential items on August 5 by wearing black clothes in Parliament and outside.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had targeted the Congress and said their protest in black clothes was a message against the Ram temple and the price rise was only an excuse.

PM Modi laid the foundation stone of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on August 5 in 2020.

Latest News