Union Minister Pralhad Joshi asserted that India faced a severe "policy paralysis" before 2014 under the UPA government, which he attributed to instability and weak leadership. Joshi made these remarks on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, as the Narendra Modi government completed 11 years in office.
Joshi credited Prime Minister Modi for providing a stable government that has spurred growth, development, and prosperity in the country. Contrasting the current administration with the UPA government (2004-2014), Joshi stated that there was a serious "policy paralysis" due to "instability" during the UPA era. He described it as the most "unstable government" with a "weak leadership."
He highlighted the significant reduction in extreme poverty under the Modi-led government. Citing a World Bank study, Joshi claimed that extreme poverty has plummeted from 21% to 5%. He noted that "more than 26 crore people have come out of extreme poverty, that is multi dimensional poverty," attributing this to the stable government, able leadership, and welfare measures implemented by the Modi government.
Joshi lauded Prime Minister Modi's leadership, emphasizing that this is the first time a leader and party other than the Congress party has been given a repeated mandate by the people.
Furthermore, Joshi addressed the issue of terrorism, alleging that Pakistan previously used it as a "proxy war," to which India either remained silent or reacted weakly. He praised the current government's response, citing Operation Sindoor, and asserted that "Today India is hitting back and our defense capability has increased manifolds." He also highlighted the growth in the defense sector, noting that India is now exporting defense equipment and indigenously developing items that were previously imported. According to Joshi, 5,000 items in the defense sector that were being imported are now being developed indigenously, and defense equipment worth 25,000 crores have been exported. He also claimed that by 2026, the government will eradicate Naxalism.
Joshi also spoke on agricultural schemes, stating that the overall agricultural allocation has increased significantly, from approximately 2 lakh crore to 6 lakh crore. He added that nearly 44 lakh crore worth of benefits have been transferred to about 25 crore people through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
In addition to economic and security achievements, Joshi highlighted improvements in ease of doing business and advancements in space missions under the Modi government. He noted that India's ranking in ease of doing business has improved from 142 to 63 globally.
The Union Minister's statements are part of a broader narrative by BJP leaders who are celebrating the 11th anniversary of the Modi government. Other leaders, including Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, have also lauded Prime Minister Modi's leadership, describing it as a "golden era" for India's growth and development. They have praised his focus on economic growth, welfare schemes, and commitment to inclusive development.
