New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday dismissed the Opposition’s criticism of his government’s GST measures as empty rhetoric by “bayan bahadur” (loudmouths), asserting that the BJP-led NDA has ushered in a “new model of good governance.” Speaking at the inauguration of the Delhi BJP headquarters, Modi claimed that an average family now saves nearly ₹20,000 annually on household expenses of ₹1 lakh compared to the UPA era.
Modi said that under the Congress-led UPA, families paid nearly ₹25,000 in taxes annually on basic needs, whereas today that figure has dropped to just ₹5,000–₹6,000. He urged BJP workers to ensure the benefits of next-generation GST reforms reach people across the country, particularly in Opposition-ruled states. He added that along with higher income tax exemption limits, citizens collectively save over ₹2.5 lakh crore every year.
The Prime Minister accused the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh of “loot” by hiking cement prices immediately after GST relief reduced costs. He stressed that BJP governments have moved forward with the mantra of “vikas bhi, virasat bhi” (development with heritage), prioritising national security, fighting corruption, and boosting citizens’ savings. Modi noted that the income tax exemption limit has risen from ₹2 lakh under the UPA to ₹12 lakh under the NDA.
Reiterating his call for self-reliance, Modi appealed to traders and consumers to promote swadeshi goods and reduce dependence on foreign products. He suggested every shop display boards reading “Garv se kaho ye swadeshi hai” (Say with pride, this is indigenous). He stressed that adopting swadeshi was essential to making India truly self-reliant, especially after the US imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods.
Modi also underlined that the BJP is a party of seva (service), not satta (power), describing its offices as “temples” where people’s grievances are heard and addressed. He recalled the party’s journey from the Jana Sangh days of 1951 under Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, through its struggles during the Emergency and the 1984 riots, to becoming a “large banyan tree” nurtured by leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani, Nanaji Deshmukh, and Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia.
Emphasising Delhi’s diversity, Modi urged BJP workers to celebrate festivals of all communities and states in the capital, calling it essential for national unity and “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.” He lauded the Delhi BJP government under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for its focus on development and people-friendly services, and urged party workers to make Delhi one of the best capitals in the world.
