Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the Rajya Sabha, launched a scathing attack on the Opposition, accusing them of following the "family first" principle instead of prioritizing national interest. He claimed that while his government operates on a "nation first" philosophy, the Opposition remains entrenched in corruption, nepotism, and appeasement politics. Modi’s remarks were aimed at highlighting what he sees as a fundamental difference between the BJP’s governance approach and that of the Congress-led Opposition.Modi emphasized that the BJP’s model of governance is centered around the idea of "nation first", which has been the guiding principle behind the party’s policy decisions and developmental initiatives. He pointed out that the BJP’s electoral success in three consecutive general elections demonstrates that the people of India support this vision. According to Modi, his government’s achievements in infrastructure, economy, and welfare schemes reflect the party’s commitment to national development, which he contrasted with the Opposition’s alleged self-serving political tactics.
 

He criticized the Congress party, stating that expecting them to follow the principle of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" (Together with all, development for all) is unrealistic. Modi argued that the Congress leadership remains bound to its "one-family" ideology, preventing it from embracing inclusive and broad-based growth. He accused the Opposition of engaging in vote-bank politics, which he claimed was in stark contrast to the BJP’s model of governance, which prioritizes collective progress over appeasement.The Prime Minister further stated that his government presents an alternative model of governance, distinct from the Congress-led administrations of the past. He accused the Congress party of focusing on appeasement politics instead of ensuring the welfare of all sections of society. Modi asserted that his government had worked to benefit the middle class, citing tax exemptions and financial policies that have made a tangible difference in people’s lives. He positioned the BJP’s governance model as one that is efficient, transparent, and accountable compared to previous Congress-led governments.
 

Addressing the Opposition’s demand for a caste-based census, Modi accused the Congress party of attempting to create societal divisions by spreading "caste poison". He reminded the Parliament that OBC MPs had long sought constitutional status for the OBC Panel, a demand that was ignored by the Congress during its tenure but was fulfilled under the BJP government. Modi positioned his government as genuinely committed to the welfare of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), in contrast to the Congress party's political opportunism.Modi also criticized the Congress party's historical treatment of BR Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. He pointed out that Ambedkar was never considered for the Bharat Ratna award during Congress rule, despite his immense contributions to the country. Modi claimed that the Congress party only embraced the "Jai Bheem" slogan due to political pressure, rather than out of genuine respect for Ambedkar’s legacy. He accused the Opposition of using Dalit icons selectively, based on their political needs, rather than truly honoring their contributions.
 

The Prime Minister reiterated his support for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), particularly in light of its recent implementation in BJP-ruled Uttarakhand. He urged people to refer to the Constituent Assembly debates, where the vision of UCC was discussed, arguing that the BJP’s stance on UCC aligns with the spirit of the Constitution. Modi framed the UCC as a step toward equality and justice, emphasizing that his government remains committed to implementing policies that reflect constitutional ideals.In closing, Modi reminded the Rajya Sabha of the Emergency period (1975-77) imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, calling it a dark chapter in India's history. He accused the Congress party of crushing democratic values for the sake of retaining power and urged lawmakers to remember the lessons of the past. Modi emphasized that his government stands for democracy and constitutional values, in contrast to Congress’s past actions, which he described as authoritarian. His remarks reinforced his party’s narrative that the BJP champions democracy, while the Congress has historically undermined it.