Lucknow, December 25, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in Lucknow today, asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is proud to have "torn down the wall of Article 370" in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a public gathering at the inauguration of the Rashtra Prerna Sthal on the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Modi emphasized that the Constitution of India is now fully in force in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the founding fathers of the Jan Sangh-BJP, highlighting the fulfillment of a long-standing commitment by removing Article 370, which he described as a hindrance to national integration. He noted that this action represents a major stride towards national unity and improved governance.
Modi also used the occasion to criticize the Congress party and the Nehru-Gandhi family, pointing out a past tendency to attribute all national achievements to a single family. He stated that the BJP government has broken away from this tradition, ensuring due respect and recognition to all, from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar to P. V. Narasimha Rao and Pranab Mukherjee. He accused the Congress and Samajwadi Party of undermining the legacy of Baba Sahab Ambedkar. Modi said the BJP government has worked to preserve and celebrate Ambedkar's legacy, including developing Panch Tirth sites.
Highlighting the BJP's commitment to inclusive development, Modi reiterated the government's dedication to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya's Antyodaya vision, which aims to ensure that welfare benefits reach the poorest sections of society without discrimination. He noted the significant expansion of social security coverage, from approximately 25 crore beneficiaries before 2014 to nearly 95 crore today.
The Prime Minister also spoke about Uttar Pradesh's growing importance in the manufacturing sector. He mentioned the success of the state government's 'One District, One Product' initiative and the development of a major defense corridor in Uttar Pradesh. He predicted that the state's defense corridor would soon gain global recognition, highlighting that BrahMos missiles, demonstrated during Operation Sindoor, are now being manufactured in Lucknow. Modi also credited Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the telecom revolution in India.
The Rashtra Prerna Sthal, where the event was held, is a new national memorial complex dedicated to the life and ideals of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It features 65-foot-high bronze statues of Vajpayee, Syama Prasad Mookerjee, and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, along with a state-of-the-art museum. Modi noted that the site was transformed from a 30-acre garbage dump into a landmark complex.
Prime Minister Modi was accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and other senior leaders. The public welcomed him with national flags and slogans.
