In a recent address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that his government has liberated the country from the tendency to associate all significant achievements and projects with a single family, alluding to the Gandhi family. Speaking at the inauguration of the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, a memorial dedicated to national icons like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay, Modi emphasized the BJP's commitment to recognizing and honoring the contributions of every citizen of India.
Modi's remarks underscored a broader critique of dynastic politics, which he described as a challenge to democracy. He argued that such political systems often prioritize the interests of a single family, leading to a neglect of other deserving figures and their contributions to the nation. He claimed that there had been attempts to diminish and demean contributions of national icons like Babasaheb Ambedkar and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel after Independence. The Prime Minister said that the BJP government gave Sardar Patel the respect he deserved.
The Prime Minister highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the BJP to restore the legacies of leaders who, according to him, had been previously overlooked. He mentioned the construction of the world's tallest statue of Sardar Patel in Ekta Nagar and the annual celebration of National Unity Day on October 31st. Modi also pointed to the development of a grand memorial for Lord Birsa Munda and the construction of the Shaheed Narayan Singh Tribal Museum in Chhattisgarh, emphasizing the BJP's commitment to honoring tribal communities. Furthermore, he noted the installation of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's statue at Delhi's Kartavya Path and the naming of an island in Andaman after him.
Modi's criticism of dynastic politics isn't new. He has frequently attacked the Congress party and other regional parties for prioritizing family interests over national development. He has often accused the RJD-Congress alliance of prioritizing dynastic politics over public welfare. During his Independence Day speech, Modi called for the inclusion of youth with no familial background in politics to combat nepotism and casteism. He has also slammed DMK for dynasty politics, calling it an insult to MG Ramachandran.
The Rashtra Prerna Sthal, inaugurated by Modi, symbolizes India's vision of self-respect, unity, and service. Constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 230 crore and spread across 65 acres, the complex features bronze statues of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It also houses a state-of-the-art museum showcasing India's national journey and the contributions of these leaders through advanced digital technologies.
In his address, Modi also highlighted the achievements of his government, stating that 25 crore people have risen above the poverty line in the past 11 years. He reiterated his government's commitment to inclusive growth and ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach all citizens without discrimination. He said that saturation of government schemes is the motto of his government.
