Union Home Minister Amit Shah has repeatedly praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decade of governance, asserting that no other Indian Prime Minister has accomplished as much in a similar timeframe. Shah's statements often highlight India's transformation under Modi's leadership, citing economic progress, social reforms, and improvements in national security.
Economic Growth and Reforms:
Shah has consistently emphasized India's economic advancement under Modi's leadership. He has noted the country's rise from the 11th to the 4th largest economy in the world and has expressed confidence that India will become the 3rd largest by 2027. This economic growth has been accompanied by a focus on liberalization and privatization, with the government relaxing foreign direct investment policies in various sectors. The 'Make in India' initiative has been a cornerstone of this strategy, aimed at transforming India into a global manufacturing hub. The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 was a major economic reform, designed to simplify the tax structure and promote ease of doing business. Digital transactions have also seen a massive increase, with India leading the world in real-time digital payments.
Welfare Initiatives and Poverty Reduction:
A key aspect of Modi's governance has been the focus on welfare programs aimed at improving the lives of the poor and marginalized. Shah has pointed to initiatives such as providing houses, electricity, clean water, toilets, and gas cylinders to millions of people. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has promoted financial inclusion by opening bank accounts for the underprivileged. The Ujjwala Yojana has enabled crores of households to shift to smoke-free kitchens. The Ayushman Bharat scheme provides healthcare to a large number of Indians. According to Shah, these efforts have resulted in lifting 25 crore people out of poverty. NITI Aayog's report suggests that almost 25 crore people escaped multidimensional poverty in the last nine years.
National Security and Infrastructure Development:
Shah has lauded Modi's decisive actions in securing the country's borders, conducting surgical strikes, and abrogating Article 370. He has credited Modi with giving a befitting reply to enemies of the country by conducting surgical and air strikes. Infrastructure development has also been a priority, with significant expansion and modernization of roads, highways, and railways. The speed of highway construction has increased, and railway budgets have seen substantial hikes. The UDAN scheme has boosted airport development and made air travel more affordable.
Social Reforms and Cultural Revival:
The Modi government has also focused on social reforms and cultural revival. Shah has highlighted the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the building of the Kashi Vishwanath corridor, and the restoration of the Somnath Temple. He has also mentioned the abolition of Triple Talaq, which was declared unconstitutional by India's Supreme Court. The government has also worked to promote Yoga and bring back stolen idols of gods and goddesses from abroad.
Global Recognition:
Amit Shah has emphasized that India's achievements under PM Modi have surprised the entire world. He has noted that Modi has emerged as a bridge of dialogue in an era of global conflicts and tensions and that 27 countries have honored him with their highest civilian awards. India's efforts in supplying COVID-19 vaccines to over 100 countries through the Vaccine Maitri initiative have also been recognized.
In summary, Amit Shah's statements reflect a strong belief that Prime Minister Modi's tenure has been a transformative period for India, marked by significant achievements in various sectors. These include economic growth, poverty reduction, infrastructure development, social reforms, and enhanced national security.