In a scathing critique of opposition parties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Saturday that relying solely on social media cannot secure electoral victories; instead, political leaders must engage with the public and earn their support. Speaking during a virtual interaction with beneficiaries of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to prioritize people’s welfare over political gains.
Modi admonished political parties for neglecting public service, stating that had they focused on serving the people rather than pursuing political interests, a significant portion of the population wouldn’t be grappling with the challenges and difficulties they face today. He underscored the importance of winning people’s hearts through genuine interactions, highlighting the limitations of making empty promises before elections.
Expressing confidence in his government’s commitment to serving the people, Modi suggested that if the opposition had diligently worked for the nation’s welfare over the years, the guarantees he is providing now would have been fulfilled decades ago. Taking a veiled swipe at previous governments, he remarked on the difference between genuine guarantees and the hollow promises made by some political parties in the past.
Discussing the positive impact of government schemes, the Prime Minister noted that the confidence and strength of beneficiaries increase when they receive support. He highlighted the shift from a system where people had to beg for benefits to a more proactive approach, where the government identifies and reaches out to deserving beneficiaries.
Modi expressed satisfaction over the enthusiastic reception of the ‘Guarantee Wali Gadi’ vehicle under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, commending the formation of ‘Swagat Samitis’ by Panchayats in villages to welcome the initiative. He lauded the significant outreach of more than 1.25 crore people to the guaranteed vehicle in a short span.
The virtual event saw participation from thousands of Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra beneficiaries nationwide, with the connection of over two thousand VBSY vans, numerous Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and Common Service Centres (CSCs). Prime Minister Modi engaged with a beneficiary of the PM Mudra Yojana, Mukesh, congratulating him for transitioning from a job-seeker to a job-maker after receiving a loan of Rs 4.5 lakh. The Prime Minister encouraged the use of UPI payments for conducting business.
The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra aims to achieve the saturation of government flagship schemes, ensuring timely and widespread delivery of benefits to all targeted beneficiaries across the country.