The Congress launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address on Friday, dismissing it as “stale, hypocritical, insipid, and troubling.”
In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh described the speech as a “bland mix of self-congratulation and selective storytelling” that ignored unemployment, economic distress, and rising inequality. He accused Modi of relying on “recycled slogans” such as Viksit Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas without presenting measurable outcomes.
Ramesh specifically questioned Modi’s claims on semiconductor manufacturing, calling them “a huge lie,” while branding the government’s repeated assurances on job creation and farmers’ welfare “empty rituals.”
The opposition leader also found Modi’s remarks on democracy and unity ironic, alleging that his government has “engineered the collapse” of democratic institutions such as the Election Commission, eroded federalism, and toppled Opposition-led state governments.
One of the strongest points of criticism came over Modi’s reference to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during his Red Fort speech. Ramesh called it a “blatant breach of the spirit of a constitutional, secular republic,” and linked it to appeasement of the Sangh in the run-up to Modi’s 75th birthday.
His remarks also invoked recent comments by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who suggested that leaders should retire from active politics at 75 — a statement widely interpreted as directed at Modi, who turns 75 next month. Modi and Amit Shah had earlier used the same age criterion to sideline senior BJP leaders such as LK Advani and MM Joshi.
Taking a jibe, Ramesh concluded: “The PM was tired today. Soon he will be retired.”
