BJP proud of dismantling the wall of Article 370, says PM Modi at inauguration of Rashtriya Prerna Sthal in Lucknow
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal in Uttar Pradesh's capital, Modi also highlighted the growth of Made in India products, the success of the state's 'One District, One Product' initiative, and the development of a defence corridor in Uttar Pradesh.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the BJP was proud to have dismantled the "wall" of Article 370, fulfilling the vision of Syama Prasad Mukherjee, while adding that government welfare schemes were reaching people "without discrimination".
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal in Uttar Pradesh's capital, Modi also highlighted the growth of Made in India products, the success of the state's 'One District, One Product' initiative, and the development of a defence corridor in Uttar Pradesh.
The Rashtriya Prerna Sthal, built at a cost of Rs 230 crore and spread over 65 acres, features statues of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Syama Prasad Mukherjee and Deendayal Upadhyaya. The complex includes a museum and a cultural centre showcasing their contributions, with the stated aim of inspiring youth towards nation-building.
Welfare schemes benefiting citizens without discrimination
Modi said welfare schemes were benefiting crores of citizens without discrimination, citing insurance coverage worth Rs 25,000 crore. He said development reaching every individual amounted to "true secularism", adding that millions had moved out of poverty through access to free food and healthcare.
Referring to Vajpayee's tenure, the Prime Minister said initiatives such as rural road connectivity, the launch of the Delhi Metro, and the expansion of mobile and internet services laid the foundation for governance reforms. He said India had become the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturer over the past 11 years, with Uttar Pradesh emerging as the country's leading manufacturing hub in the sector.
Modi said the inspiration drawn from leaders such as Vajpayee, Mukherjee and Upadhyaya formed a strong foundation for a developed India, but criticised what he described as a long-standing tendency to credit national achievements to a single political family. The BJP, he said, had moved away from dynastic politics and was honouring individuals who served the nation, citing the installation of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's statue in Delhi.
'National recognition for leaders other than from a single family'
He also said attempts had been made after Independence to marginalise the legacy of Dr B R Ambedkar and diminish the stature of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, while tribal communities were denied due recognition for decades. Describing dynastic politics as driven by insecurity, Modi said his government had honoured leaders such as PV Narasimha Rao and Mulayam Singh Yadav with national recognition, something he said could not be expected from the Congress.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said the inauguration was a moment of pride for the state, while defence minister Rajnath Singh said the memorial reflected the ideals of Vajpayee, Mukherjee and Upadhyaya. Singh said India's global standing had strengthened under Modi's leadership, noting that the Prime Minister had received top civilian honours from 29 countries.