'Modi Referred To Himself In Third Person, Now Compelled To Speak About NDA': Congress Mocks Him Over New 'Clutches'

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate criticised Narendra Modi's alleged arbitrary decisions and emphasised the shifting political dynamics as the BJP's dependency on coalition partners increases.

The Congress has sharply criticised NDA coalition leader Narendra Modi and his government over recent demands by the Janata Dal (United) [JDU] for the reformation of the Agnipath scheme and the implementation of a caste census. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate lambasted Modi for his alleged autocratic style of governance, suggesting that the BJP now relies heavily on its coalition partners, indicating a shift in political dynamics.

"Over the past ten years, Narendra Modi has been acting on his whims, issuing arbitrary directives like demonetisation and sudden lockdowns. Coordination and discussion are concepts unfamiliar to him. However, with the BJP securing only 240 seats, they now need clutches (coalition partners), who are beginning to voice their demands," said Shrinate in a video.

Highlighting the JDU’s call to scrap the Agniveer scheme, Shrinate reiterated the Congress’s stance, saying, "This is a demand we have consistently made. We campaigned on this issue and have garnered support from thousands of young aspirants who wish to join the army. It is unreasonable to ask a 21-year-old to retire while the Prime Minister seeks a five-year extension."

Shrinate further criticised Modi's approach to governance, stating, "Modi has been accustomed to unilateral decision-making. Now, he will face challenges from all directions. His ability to coordinate and respect coalition partners will be tested. Because Modi ji used to not allow anyone to come in his frame, only his photo used to come, since yesterday in all the photos that have come, everyone is being included. Since yesterday he has been wearing the same clothes from morning till evening."

"He used to refer to himself in the third person saying ‘Modi ki guarantee’ instead of saying me, mine, or us. Now all that is over, he is speaking about NDA. Democracy has a way of humbling even the most authoritarian leaders. The Agniveer scheme demoralises our armed forces and such an anti-youth scheme must be scrapped immediately. If Modi has any sense left, he will act, or his allies will compel him to," she remarked.

JDU Senior Leader KC Tyagi Raised Demands For Agniveer Scheme Review, Conducting Caste Census

This comes after JDU senior leader KC Tyagi raised issues of Agniveer scheme review and conducting caste census during government formation talks. On Thursday, June 6, Tyagi called for a review of the Agniveer scheme and advocated for comprehensive discussions on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). He also emphasised the need for caste-based census and special status for Bihar.

Tyagi stated, "Nitish Kumar has written to the Law Commission regarding the UCC, not opposing it but emphasising the need for extensive deliberation. We support 'One Nation, One Election'. The Agniveer scheme needs rethinking due to widespread dissatisfaction, which was evident during the elections."

Reflecting on JDU’s role within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Tyagi asserted, "In Bihar, we have long been a formidable force. Nitish Kumar’s good governance has earned substantial public support. We have empowered women and ensured extensive participation from marginalised communities, bolstering NDA's base in Bihar."

Addressing JDU’s ministerial aspirations, Tyagi remarked, "Based on our past experiences, we have held portfolios such as Aviation, Defence, Railways, and Telecommunications during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure. For nearly 20 years, we have demanded special status for Bihar. We have no rigid demands; what Modi and Kumar deem best for Bihar’s development will be acceptable to us."