New Delhi, June 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on what he described as a group of “professional protesters” who, according to him, oppose development initiatives while simultaneously questioning the lack of infrastructure and technological advancement in the country.
Addressing viewers during an interaction broadcast by Republic TV, Modi said there exists a section of people whose “life mantra” has become “always against.” He termed the group as suffering from “chronic dissatisfaction” and claimed that they consistently oppose government initiatives regardless of the issue involved.
Explaining his point, the Prime Minister said such individuals often question why uninterrupted electricity is not available in certain areas, but later oppose the construction of hydroelectric dams, solar parks, thermal power plants, and nuclear energy projects that are intended to increase power generation. He remarked that this contradiction reflects a mindset that resists solutions while continuing to complain about existing problems.
Modi also referred to debates surrounding mining and industrial development. He said some of the same critics who opposed mineral extraction in the past now ask why India lacks a strong rare earth minerals supply chain and why the country does not have an electric vehicle ecosystem comparable to other nations. According to the Prime Minister, such positions expose inconsistencies in their approach to economic and industrial growth.
Highlighting technological advancements, Modi recalled earlier debates questioning the value of data-driven development. He said that today, many of the same critics ask what progress India has made in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), while simultaneously opposing the establishment of data centres and semiconductor manufacturing facilities that are essential for building a modern digital economy.
The Prime Minister argued that these conflicting positions often dominate television debates, social media discussions and public discourse, creating obstacles to developmental initiatives. His remarks were seen as a broader defence of the government’s infrastructure, energy, technology and industrial policies aimed at accelerating India’s growth and self-reliance.
The comments have sparked political discussion, with supporters describing the remarks as an exposure of contradictory opposition narratives, while critics maintain that public scrutiny of large-scale projects remains an important part of democratic debate.
