Parliament Winter Session LIVE: PM Modi says, \”The slogan of \’Garibi Hatao\’ was merely a jumla.\”

Parliament Winter Session LIVE: PM Modi Criticizes the ‘Garibi Hatao’ Slogan as a Mere Political GimmickDuring the Winter Session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a scathing critique of the historical slogan \”Garibi Hatao\” (Eradicate Poverty), famously coined by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1971. In his address, Modi stated that the slogan had become a mere \”jumla\” (rhetorical statement) over the years, accusing the Congress party of failing to translate it into tangible action. His comments have sparked a fresh round of political debates, drawing sharp responses from opposition leaders who have defended their legacy.A Historical Perspective on \’Garibi Hatao\’The slogan \”Garibi Hatao\” was introduced by Indira Gandhi during the 1971 general elections. It became the cornerstone of her campaign and resonated with millions of Indians who were grappling with poverty. This slogan symbolized a promise to uplift the poor and narrow the socio-economic divide. It was paired with significant policy initiatives, such as land reforms, nationalization of banks, and programs aimed at rural development. However, critics argue that while the slogan created political momentum, it lacked sufficient follow-through and failed to achieve the desired results in addressing structural poverty.PM Modi\’s PerspectiveIn his address, PM Modi highlighted the perceived disconnect between the Congress party’s promises and their outcomes. He argued that while the slogan captured public imagination and helped win elections, it did little to alleviate poverty at the grassroots level. According to Modi, decades of Congress rule saw limited progress on poverty eradication, leaving the nation with unfulfilled promises.Modi’s remarks also underscored his broader critique of what he sees as the Congress party’s tendency to rely on slogans rather than substantive action. He pointed out that despite decades of opportunity, the party failed to implement long-lasting solutions for poverty, focusing instead on short-term populist measures.The BJP\’s Approach to Poverty EradicationContrasting his government’s approach with that of previous administrations, PM Modi emphasized the initiatives undertaken by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to address poverty and improve the living standards of millions of Indians. He cited schemes such as:1. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Providing affordable housing to low-income families.2. Ujjwala Yojana: Distributing free LPG connections to reduce the reliance on traditional, polluting cooking fuels.3. Swachh Bharat Mission: Improving sanitation and building millions of toilets in rural areas.4. Jan Dhan Yojana: Promoting financial inclusion by opening bank accounts for the unbanked.5. Ayushman Bharat: Offering health insurance coverage to economically disadvantaged families.Modi claimed that these programs were evidence of his government’s commitment to addressing poverty in a systematic and measurable way, rather than relying on slogans to win public support.Opposition’s ResponseThe Congress party was quick to respond to Modi’s remarks. Senior Congress leaders defended the legacy of \”Garibi Hatao,\” asserting that Indira Gandhi’s policies laid the foundation for India’s welfare state. They argued that initiatives such as the Green Revolution, employment programs, and the establishment of public sector industries were significant steps toward reducing poverty.The opposition also criticized the BJP’s record, alleging that its policies have disproportionately benefited the wealthy while leaving the poor vulnerable. They pointed to rising unemployment rates, economic inequality, and agrarian distress as indicators that the BJP government has fallen short of its promises.Public Reaction and AnalysisModi’s statement has reignited a broader debate about poverty alleviation strategies in India. Analysts have noted that while slogans like \”Garibi Hatao\” are powerful tools for mobilizing public support, their success ultimately depends on the policies and actions that follow. The criticism of \”Garibi Hatao\” as a mere \”jumla\” reflects a growing impatience among the public with empty rhetoric and a demand for accountability.Supporters of Modi have lauded his government’s emphasis on direct benefit transfer schemes and technological integration in welfare programs. However, critics argue that systemic issues such as unemployment, underemployment, and lack of access to quality education and healthcare remain unresolved.ConclusionPM Modi’s remarks on the \”Garibi Hatao\” slogan reflect a larger narrative of political accountability and the effectiveness of past governments in addressing poverty. While the BJP and Congress continue to spar over their respective records, the question of how to sustainably eradicate poverty remains a pressing challenge for India’s policymakers. As the Winter Session progresses, the focus on this issue underscores the importance of moving beyond slogans and ensuring that policies translate into meaningful outcomes for the country’s poorest citizens.