Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he favors a strong opposition in the country, but slammed dynastic politics, saying it kills talent.
He also noted that his statements on dynastic politics are often misunderstood, and that his criticism of “familyism” was not aimed at any party or individual.
“I am not talking about any political party or individual. I see that people who fit my definition of familism are angry with me. These dynastics are uniting against me across the country. They are angry as to why the youth of the country are taking Modi seriously.
“I must tell you that people misunderstand my statement. I want that there should be a strong opposition in the country and political parties should come out of dynasty politics.
It will strengthen democracy in the country and youth will get more opportunities in politics, he said, but wondered “I am expecting a lot from dynastic political parties”.
He was addressing a program at Paraunkh, the native village of President Ram Nath Kovind of Kanpur Dehat district.
President Kovind, who was on a tour of his village, reached Kanpur Airport to welcome PM Modi.
“I was ashamed that President Ram Nath Kovind came to the airport to welcome me. We work under his guidance. When I asked about it, the President replied that ‘I have come to welcome you not as the President of the country but as a native of the village according to my values’. Modi said.
He said that people suffering from “parivaarvaad” (dynastic politics) are uniting against him, while people vilify it. He said that the politics of dynasty should stop so that any person born in the village can become the Prime Minister or the President.
We must be alert to the challenges of democracy like familism. Families kill talent not only in politics but in every field,” he said.
Earlier in his address, the PM shared his experiences of visiting Paraunkh village and interacting with the local people.
The PM said that the country is working for the development of farmers, women and youth.
He said that today roads are being built in rural India, fiber optic cables are being laid and houses are being built for the poor. “Our villages are capable, they have manpower and they are doing well. Empowerment of villages is the primary objective of our government.” He added that his government’s aim is to ensure that the benefits of the schemes reach all the intended beneficiaries, which means “100 percent empowerment without any discrimination”.
He said, ‘By doing this we are fulfilling Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar’s dream of equality.
The Prime Minister urged the villagers to contribute to the development of the villages and the country.
President Kovind in his address thanked Modi for visiting the village and supporting him for the presidency.
Kovind said, “Uttar Pradesh realized the PM’s dedication towards democracy when he took the initiative to make a person like me the President of the country.”
“The credit for making a person from UP the President of the country goes to the Prime Minister,” he said.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel, along with ministers, MPs and MLAs from the surrounding area participated in this program.
In his address, Adityanath said, “The President and the Prime Minister living together in a small village in Kanpur countryside are giving the message of ‘Gram Swaraj’ as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi and encouraging people to participate in the Amrit Mahotsav. 75 years of independence.” Adityanath said that Paraunkh village has become an example of an ideal village in the state.
“Whatever we have been able to do in the state, the support of the Prime Minister is essential. With his support and guidance, UP has been able to move towards a new era of development,” the CM said.
Before their address at the public function, the dignitaries visited Pathri Mata Temple in Paraunkh village. He also visited Dr BR Ambedkar Bhawan, which was to be followed by a visit to the Milan Kendra (Community Centre).
The center is the ancestral home of the President which has been donated for public use.
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