Modi Targets Past Governments Over Delhi’s Growth Gaps, Pushes for ‘Vocal for Local’ Reforms
PM Modi Criticizes Past Governments for Delhi’s Stagnation
New Delhi, Aug 17 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on previous governments in Delhi, blaming them for the national capital’s lagging position in infrastructure, social amenities, and growth. Addressing a public gathering, Modi accused past administrations of indulging in divisive politics instead of focusing on development.
Taking a veiled dig at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Modi recalled how earlier leaders would pit one community against another. “It was said that Haryana people are mixing poison in Yamuna river for harming people of Delhi,” Modi said, stressing that such rhetoric damaged unity and derailed development.
In contrast, he underlined that the BJP government’s motto is the upliftment of Delhi and the entire National Capital Region (NCR). “Our objective is not to divide, but to develop. Delhi must grow along with NCR,” he declared.
Attacks on “Protectors of the Constitution”
Modi also launched a pointed criticism of those who claim to be guardians of the Constitution. Without naming opponents, he said, “These are the same people who crushed the Constitution under their feet.”
He cited the example of the draconian Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, which once stated that a sanitation worker could face imprisonment of up to one month for failing to report to work. “Is this how the protectors of the Constitution treated workers?” Modi asked.
The Prime Minister emphasized that his government has undertaken key reforms to empower workers and improve governance. He also hinted at upcoming measures, saying, “Many reforms have already been done, and many more are on the horizon.”
Next-Gen Reforms: GST, UPI, and Digital India
Highlighting the government’s reform agenda, Modi announced that the upcoming festive season, especially Diwali, would bring relief for Delhiites. “This Diwali will become special for Delhi residents as well, with the next-generation reforms in GST,” he said.
He praised UPI (Unified Payments Interface) as a major milestone of Digital India, calling it the world’s largest digital payments platform. “UPI has not only transformed how Indians transact but has also become an example for the world,” he noted.
Such technological achievements, Modi argued, show India’s ability to innovate and lead in the global digital economy.
Push for ‘Vocal for Local’: A Swadeshi Call
A significant part of Modi’s speech focused on his ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, urging citizens and traders to buy and sell Made in India products. He said such practices will strengthen the economy, generate jobs, and foster national pride.
“We must rely on Swadeshi and Made in India products. This festive season, we should consume and share those manufactured in the country. This way, money will remain inside the country and will ultimately empower the nation,” Modi emphasized.
The Prime Minister highlighted the revival of Khadi as a case study. Once on the verge of extinction, Khadi’s sales have increased over seven times in the last decade, he said. “When we take a collective resolve, we prove our mettle,” Modi asserted.
He further pointed out that India has moved from being import-dependent on mobile phones to becoming a leading exporter of Made in India smartphones.
Economic and Social Impact
Economists note that Modi’s push for swadeshi aligns with the government’s larger Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision. By encouraging domestic consumption, the policy aims to reduce import dependency, boost local industries, and retain wealth within the country.
For Delhi, experts say reforms in GST, digital payments, and municipal governance could ease daily life for citizens, especially small traders, shopkeepers, and workers.
However, critics argue that while the government’s rhetoric on “Vocal for Local” is strong, structural challenges remain. Issues such as rising costs for small businesses, high inflation, and global trade dependencies still pose hurdles.
A Political Message Ahead of Festive Season
Observers see Modi’s speech as not only an economic pitch but also a political message. By attacking past governments and contrasting them with BJP’s reformist image, Modi positioned his administration as both a protector of workers’ rights and a champion of local industries.
The timing of the message—just ahead of the festive season—also indicates an attempt to tap into consumer sentiment, encouraging citizens to adopt local goods during Diwali shopping.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks mark a renewed push for swadeshi, development-centric governance, and digital reforms. By contrasting his government’s policies with the alleged failures of past administrations, Modi reinforced the BJP’s narrative of growth and nationalism.
The true test, however, lies in translating this vision into measurable benefits for citizens—better infrastructure, cleaner governance, stronger local industries, and a more inclusive economy.
As Delhi residents prepare for Diwali, the promise of reforms in GST and the call for ‘Vocal for Local’ will be closely watched. Whether these measures deliver the desired boost remains to be seen, but the political messaging is already resonating across the NCR.