GDP swipe at Opposition, warning to Pakistan: PM Modi’s top quotes from Delhi college address | India News - Hindustan Times

**PM Modi’s SRCC Address: Economic Push‑Back, Opposition Rebuff and a Stark Warning to Pakistan**

New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the graduating class of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) on Monday, using the prestigious venue to underscore his government’s economic agenda and to deliver a pointed political message. Speaking to an audience of students, faculty and senior officials, Modi highlighted India’s “robust GDP growth of 7.6 % in the last fiscal year,” calling it “a testament to the nation’s resilience and the forward‑looking policies of this government.” He praised SRCC for “nurturing generations of leaders in business and public life,” and reiterated the “half‑water, half‑air” metaphor he first used in 2013 to describe the country’s developmental trajectory.

The prime minister’s remarks quickly shifted to a critique of the opposition, whom he accused of “peddling ‘jhooth ki goonj’” (echoes of lies) and fostering a “mai‑baap culture” that undermines meritocratic progress. Modi warned that the opposition’s attempts to “stall the growth engine” could erode the gains made in employment, infrastructure and digital inclusion. He further warned Pakistan that “cross‑border terrorism will not be tolerated,” urging Islamabad to “choose peace over provocation” and reminding it that India’s “strategic resolve remains unshaken.” The speech also featured an updated lexical repertoire, with Modi employing terms such as “OG” (original gangster) to describe the country’s entrepreneurial spirit and “dhurandhar” (champion) to describe young innovators.

Reactions to the address were mixed. SRCC’s dean hailed the speech as “inspirational,” noting Modi’s acknowledgment of the college’s contribution to nation‑building. Opposition leaders dismissed the economic figures as “selective” and called the Pakistan warning “political theater.” Analysts observed that Modi’s blend of economic bragging, political rebuke and security posturing reflects a broader strategy to consolidate domestic support ahead of upcoming state elections, while simultaneously signaling a firm stance on regional security. The address, therefore, serves both as a graduation exhortation and a calibrated political communiqué.