By -Prakarsh Kastwar
New Delhi, February 2025: The Parliament Budget Session 2025 witnessed intense debates as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed both houses, criticizing the Congress for neglecting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and outlining the government’s commitment to the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Meanwhile, the opposition demanded answers on issues such as the deportation of Indian immigrants from the U.S. and the Mahakumbh tragedy, leading to heated exchanges in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
PM Modi on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Vision for SC-ST Economic Upliftment
During his address in the Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Modi emphasized Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s deep understanding of the socio-economic challenges faced by SC and ST communities. He highlighted Ambedkar’s vision for economic empowerment and quoted his statements on land ownership and employment difficulties for Dalits.
“Dr. Ambedkar had keenly analyzed the economic struggles of the SC-ST community. He pointed out that India is an agrarian nation, but for Dalits, agriculture could never be a viable livelihood due to systemic barriers such as land ownership restrictions,” PM Modi said. He stressed that the government has been actively working to uplift marginalized communities through targeted policies and initiatives.
PM Modi Criticizes Congress for Undermining Ambedkar’s Legacy
Taking a direct jibe at the Congress party, PM Modi accused them of consistently undermining Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions and failing to recognize him with the Bharat Ratna during their tenure.
“Congress had deep resentment towards Dr. Ambedkar. Historical records prove that they did everything possible to sideline him. They never deemed him worthy of the Bharat Ratna. It was only the collective respect of the people of India for Babasaheb that has forced Congress today to chant ‘Jai Bhim,’ even if it pains them,” PM Modi remarked.
He further criticized the Congress for its political strategy, stating, “Instead of working to expand their own achievements, they always focused on diminishing others. This approach has led to their current downfall. If they had worked on strengthening their own foundation, they would not be in such a state today.”
Congress Accused of Political Instability and Short-Sightedness
The Prime Minister accused the Congress of destabilizing governments for political gains. “Whenever any party formed a government, Congress worked towards destabilizing it instead of focusing on governance. Now, as they realize their own future is at stake post-Lok Sabha elections, they are retreating in fear.”
Women’s Empowerment and Reservation for the Disabled
PM Modi also highlighted the historic role of women in India’s progress and the government’s commitment to gender inclusivity. “The first major decision of this new Parliament was the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan’ bill, recognizing and strengthening the role of women in policy-making. This will accelerate the nation’s growth.”
Speaking about the differently-abled community, he said, “Our government has ensured expanded reservations for the specially-abled. We have implemented numerous welfare schemes to provide them with better opportunities and facilities.”
OBC Commission and Economic Development
Discussing his government’s achievements over the past decade, PM Modi reiterated the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. We granted constitutional status to the OBC Commission, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the community. Our policies ensure that every citizen benefits from the country’s resources without discrimination.
He also stressed the importance of efficient resource utilization, saying, “India must optimize its resources for national progress. We believe in policy completeness, ensuring that the benefits reach all intended recipients without discrimination or bias.
A New Model of Governance: ‘Satisfaction Over Appeasement’
PM Modi declared that his government follows a governance model based on ‘satisfaction’ rather than ‘appeasement.’ “For decades, India was deprived of a viable governance alternative. Post-2014, our government introduced a new model that prioritizes national interest. Congress relied on appeasement for political gains, whereas we focus on genuine development for all.”
PM Modi’s Final Remarks on Congress and Development
Concluding his speech, PM Modi asserted that Congress’s governance model was rooted in corruption, nepotism, and appeasement. “Congress created a political culture of deceit, corruption, and family-first policies. That’s why their ideology cannot support the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’ Their entire system revolves around one family, making it impossible for them to adopt an inclusive approach.”
He thanked the Indian citizens for re-electing his government and pledged to continue serving the nation with integrity. “In 2014, the country gave us an opportunity to serve, and we are grateful for the continued trust in us. Our governance model has been tested and accepted by the people, and we will keep working towards India’s progress.”
Conclusion
The Budget Session 2025 has started on an intense note, with the ruling party asserting its developmental agenda while the opposition raises pressing national concerns. With elections approaching, these debates will shape the political landscape and influence upcoming policies. As the session progresses, key decisions on economic reforms, social policies, and governance strategies will be closely watched.