New Delhi, June 22 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday criticised the Congress for abandoning what he described as the ‘Nation First’ principle that, according to him, defined the party during Mahatma Gandhi’s era.

Speaking during a special programme on Republic TV, the Prime Minister contrasted what he called the opposition’s “chronic dissatisfaction” with his government’s focus on national development, asserting that every decision and initiative over the past 12 years has been driven by putting the nation above all else.

PM Modi said the Congress, which he said once embodied patriotic zeal under Mahatma Gandhi, no longer upholds that spirit.

“This thought has also become like a false dream now. Will it ever come back in Congress which was in Gandhi ji’s time?” he asked.

The Prime Minister accused the Congress and its allies of fostering “chronic dissatisfaction”, criticising government initiatives without offering alternatives.

According to him, opposition parties oppose infrastructure projects, question supply chains for electric vehicles and spread pessimism instead of supporting national progress.

In contrast, PM Modi outlined what he described as a roadmap for a developed India, urging entrepreneurs, innovators and startups to view global challenges as opportunities.

He said bigger ambitions require greater efforts and added that his government is working towards the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

Addressing the audience of Republic TV, the Prime Minister highlighted what he described as India’s transition from despair to determination over the past 12 years.

He pointed to infrastructure development as a key achievement of his government.

PM Modi said unfinished housing projects had been completed through an allocation of Rs 25,000 crore aimed at providing homes to those in need.

He said metro services have expanded significantly, with 2.8 million people travelling daily in major cities and 12.8 million commuters using the network overall.

The Prime Minister also said the cost of electric vehicles has fallen considerably, making them more accessible to the middle class and residents of smaller towns.

Highlighting economic measures, PM Modi said that while income above Rs 2 lakh was taxable in 2013-14, individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh now pay no income tax.

He said simplified income tax return filing processes have also saved time and resources for millions of citizens.

On healthcare, the Prime Minister said medicines available under government schemes are offered at discounts of up to 80 per cent, helping families save around Rs 40,000 crore annually.

He added that senior citizens aged above 70 years are now eligible for free treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh, easing healthcare expenses for families.

PM Modi also highlighted improvements in ease of living, saying that obtaining a driving licence has become simpler and passports are now issued within three days.

He said rising public expectations — including demands for better roads, timely trains and Vande Bharat services — reflected increasing aspirations and confidence in governance.

The Prime Minister urged young people to recognise what he described as the character of opposition parties that, according to him, thrive on criticism rather than constructive contribution.

“Understanding the character of these people is very important… otherwise you will be misled,” he said.

He urged the youth to align with an aspirational India and expressed confidence that they would witness a ‘Viksit Bharat’ during their lifetime.

PM Modi said India is building a stronger future through collective effort, infrastructure development, economic reforms and inclusive growth.

He reiterated that the principle of ‘Nation First’ remains the driving force behind his government’s approach.

–IANS

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