New Delhi, India — February 5, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday delivered a wide-ranging and combative address in the Rajya Sabha, responding to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament.
Speaking for nearly 90 minutes amid loud sloganeering from opposition benches, the Prime Minister touched on the economy, global trade, youth, infrastructure, and India’s long-term growth trajectory, while also launching sharp political attacks on the opposition.
“India Close to Becoming the World’s Third-Largest Economy”
Modi said India is on the brink of becoming the world’s third-largest economy, asserting that the country has reached a crucial stage in its development journey.
“The country has reached an important milestone. We cannot stop, we cannot look back. We must keep moving forward until we achieve our goals,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that India’s high growth rate combined with relatively low inflation is a rare achievement among major global economies.
Swipe at Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge
During his address, Modi also made a remark directed at Mallikarjun Kharge, referring to his age amid disruptions in the House.
“Considering Kharge ji’s age, even if he wants to raise slogans while seated, he may do so. There are many young leaders sitting behind him,” Modi said, drawing reactions from opposition members.
“India Is Becoming Younger as the World Ages”
Highlighting India’s demographic advantage, Modi said that while many developed nations are becoming aging societies, India is rapidly emerging as a young nation, full of energy and talent.
He said the world is increasingly recognizing India’s young talent pool, which is driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
India as a Global Problem-Solver
The Prime Minister said India is no longer just responding to global challenges but is offering solutions and hope to the world.
“Today, India is among the fastest-growing major economies. The world looks at India as a ray of hope,” he said.
Infrastructure Push and Attack on Congress
Citing infrastructure projects, Modi said several long-pending initiatives have been completed under his government, including rail and connectivity projects in Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast.
He criticized the Indian National Congress, saying the party “only dreams but does not deliver.”
“Projects that were stalled for decades were completed by our government. We do not make promises—we deliver on time,” Modi said.
Criticism of Nehru-Gandhi Era
Modi drew a contrast between the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance and past Congress governments, alleging that earlier leadership viewed citizens as a burden rather than a strength.
He cited past remarks attributed to Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, claiming that earlier Congress leadership saw population growth as a problem, while his government sees 140 crore Indians as the nation’s greatest asset.
Allegation of Disrespect Toward the President
The Prime Minister also accused the Congress of disrespecting the President following recent elections and during parliamentary proceedings.
“The way the President has been spoken about is deeply shameful. Insulting the President is an insult to the Constitution,” Modi said, referring to Droupadi Murmu.
He added that disrespect toward a President from a tribal background amounts to disrespect toward marginalized communities and the Constitution itself.
