PM Modi Outlines 11 Pledges for a Stronger India, Opposes Religion-Based Reservations

New Delhi, December 15 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unveiled 11 pledges aimed at shaping India’s future, emphasizing the preservation of existing reservations for marginalized groups while strongly opposing religion-based reservations.

Speaking during the Lok Sabha’s two-day discussion on the theme "75 Years of India's Constitution: A Glorious Journey", Modi criticized the Congress party for allegedly promoting religion-based reservations to appease vote banks, contrasting it with the Constitution Assembly’s decision to reject such provisions after extensive deliberation.

Highlights of PM Modi's 11 Pledges

In his 110-minute address, the Prime Minister presented commitments that included eradicating dynastic politics, promoting merit over nepotism in governance, and adopting a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. He framed these pledges as guiding principles for citizens and the government to build a stronger, more inclusive nation.

Development for All: Modi stressed the importance of ensuring that development benefits every community and sector, encapsulated in the mantra “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”.
Corruption-Free Society: He urged citizens to shun corrupt individuals socially, asserting that corruption should find no acceptance in society.
Freedom from Colonial Mindset: The PM highlighted the need to take pride in India's traditions, laws, and heritage while shedding remnants of a colonial mindset.
Reservation Preservation: Modi reaffirmed his commitment to retaining reservations for marginalized groups but opposed religion-based quotas, asserting their incompatibility with constitutional principles.
Women-Led Development: India should aim to become a global example of women-led growth, he said.
Federal Development: Modi emphasized that the progress of individual states directly contributes to national development.
Opposition Criticizes Modi's Pledges

The opposition was quick to dismiss Modi’s pledges. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav termed the pledges as "hollow and fraudulent promises."

Yadav remarked, "Today, we heard 11 slogans. Doubling farmers' income, creating one crore jobs, and schemes like Agniveer and GST were all hollow promises."

Call for Collective Efforts

Modi concluded by urging citizens to adhere to constitutional values and fulfill their duties, stating, "National progress depends on collective effort and respect for constitutional principles."

The PM reiterated the need for political parties to respect the Constitution and refrain from using it for selfish gains, emphasizing that "political swaraj" should lead to a corruption-free, merit-driven democracy.

These pledges, Modi claimed, are not just commitments for the government but also a roadmap for every citizen to contribute to building a robust and inclusive India.