By Aryan

THE Maharashtra Congress has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement while on his visit to Russia, describing it unfortunate and one which tarnished the identity and reputation of India.

''When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia earlier this week, in his speech there he made a shocking statement that before 2014, India was a country deeply in the depths of depression and there loss of confidence and apathy everywhere. No patriotic India will make such a statement. This statement clearly says that Modi has insulted the freedom fighters, the contribution of previous all-party prime ministers, scientists, all the factors that contribute to the development of the country,'' said Congress spokesperson Mr Gopaldada Tiwari in a statement.

Tiwari further said that India, after sending the British packing, achieved independence through a long-term satyagrah movement led by Mahatma Gandhi, and established a constitutional system in the country.

The Congress spokesperson said compared to pre-independence period, the Republic of India made significant progress during post-Independence periods in all fields, created its own identity in the world, India became known as an agricultural country, which satisfied its hunger by importing flour from America. ''Also, India established ISRO and rode on the moon, won the cricket World Cup and and held the international competitions of Asian National Games. During Indiraji's rule, Pakistan was divided into two parts and Bangladesh was created, '' Tiwari said.

Tiwari said due to the creation of institutions like 'IIMs and IITs'' lakhs of Indians have got a place of honour in the progressive countries like America, France, Germany and Russia by proving their merit. 

''Did all these happen in an atmosphere of depression and degradation'? In fact compared to the last 65 years, during Modi Govt (From 2014 to 2024), the highest number of Indians (25 lakhs) left their citizenship and settled abroad,'' Tiwari said, adding Modiji should first do some introspection on this count.

Tiwari said, the computer revolution in the country, mobile-internet facilities, online banking services including ATMs, all happened before 2014, and many heads of state including the American Prime Minister Obama have praised it during Manmohan Singh's era. ''The establishment and registration of 'Aadhar Card', which proves the identity of every citizen of the country, was also done before 2014, which was opposed by the then Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi himself,'' Congress spokesperson recalled.

Tiwari said that the Modi government's attempt to create a misleading atmosphere and hide the facts by continuously speaking one-sided lies, through abuse of power, and to hide the facts will not last long.