Published By : Admin |
December 1, 2016 | 17:34 IST
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People’s view manifested in election results, NM App Survey
Lakhs of Indians had a similar experience as Saiful – an email addressed personally to them, from none other than the Prime Minister of India. This feeling is captured aptly in the words of Sumeet Ambe : “ When you get such emails, feel's proud that I have done something good for my country members. PM Narendra Modi Our PM Narendra Modi Thank you.” .
So, what happened? On what topic did these citizens communicate with the government and receive a direct response from the Prime Minister himself? Let’s rewind to 8th November, 2016. This is the date when Prime Minister announced the government’s decision that from the midnight of the that day, old 500 and 1000 Rupee notes would cease to be legal tender. But what did the people of the country feel about this decision? Did they agree with the government or disagreed? Did they have suggestions and opinions to give whether they agreed or disagreed?
Every attempt was made to suggest that the Prime Minister’s decision was out of sync with the ground realities. The truth was far from that. After demonetization Parliamentary, Assembly and local polls were held across India. BJP secured decisive wins in MP, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat and Maharashtra including in areas where it was never historically strong. In West Bengal and Tripura it came 2nd with a whooping rise in vote share.
The combined opposition Bharat Bandh was a damp squib. Not only did leading opposition parties refuse to support the Bandh but also the Bandh was rejected comprehensively by the people of India.
It is thus not surprising that the survey on the Narendra Modi App gave the numbers it did. This survey was in spirit with his consistent belief in participative governance. He also invited ideas and suggestions from the people taking part in the survey.
Some important aspects pertaining to the survey are:
- The sample size of the survey is 10.20 lakhs. Such a large sample size on a policy or a political issue a first in India.
- Responses have been received from 684 districts of India (out of total 687). Each of the 36 states and Union Territories have been represented. In terms of width and scale, this is a staggering response.
- The survey was open for anyone to take. There was no entry barrier. You agreed with the demonetisation drive? All right, download the app and say so. You disagreed? You had the same option as well.
- Post the launch of the survey, the app dominated the top 10 trends of most searched app on both Android and iPhone stores. The spike in the downloads, which is publicly available data on the play stores, as also the actual responses received indicates that a large number of participants of the survey were those who downloaded the app after the survey was launched.
- The design of the survey was very attractive, technologically savvy and yet seeking responses on a serious policy issue. For example, on the primary question of the issues of banning old 500 and 1000 Rupee notes, the respondents could answer byspinning the wheel of a dial on a five point of scale from Very Good to Very Poor – thus giving them a complete scale of options to express their view.
The response to the survey, state wise, makes for compelling reading. The BJP does not have any historical presence in many of the states represented in the survey. Yet, the level of support for this move, as can be seen in the below graphics, is same or even higher than the national average.
Response of the citizens from each of the states and union territories, tabulated for the two most important and pertinent questions of the survey.
But this was not all. As each of the survey responses were read and analyzed, the comments and suggestions were bucketed under two broad categories: Suggestions and Issues. These were then forwarded the Union Ministry of Finance and NITI Ayog, who used them as an important input in framing their policy tweaks and responses and the communication outreach respectively.
Prime Minister Modi personally made it a point to read many of these suggestions. He was so humbled by the overwhelming response of the people, who not only congratulated him but also gave many constructive ideas, that he decided to personally respond to each of the participants of the survey. His instructions were explicit. He will not only respond to those vast majority who supported his move, but will also personally respond to those who voted against the move.
Writing to those who supported the drive, Prime Minister Modi said,
Your opinion and insight is a source of great strength. I thank you for the faith you have placed in me and the Government.
Writing to those who disagreed with him, Prime Minister said
I value the insightful feedback that you have shared. It inspires us to work even harder in fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of the people of India. The views and feedback that you have shared will help us strengthen aspects of the implementation of this very important step taken by the Government with regard to high value currency notes.
It is not every day that the Prime Minister of India personally writes to you. That too when you have disagreed with him. But that is what makes Prime Minister Narendra Modi different. He values each and every constructive opinion. Especially criticism. It is this consistent and transparent virtue that has made him so popular across all the sections and segments of society – those who vote for him on the internet and those who vote for him and his party in the ballot box.
India is not only a fast-growing economy, but also a credible one: PM Modi
June 22, 2026
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India is not only a fast-growing economy, but also a credible one: PM
Along with being a rising power, India is also a reliable power: PM
For India, Nation First is the highest guiding principle: PM
Maoist terror is breathing its last in India: PM
The shift in mindset from "this can never be done" to "this will be done" is India's greatest achievement: PM
The government is empowering the poor and middle-class: PM
The collective efforts of 140 crore Indians will realise the dream of a Viksit Bharat: PM
Swar Sadhana, Manokamana, Aradhana - after such an auspicious beginning, it would have been wonderful if your program had continued. Greetings to all of you.
I extend my regards to all viewers of Republic TV Network, which now broadcasts in many languages. I also welcome all companions who have come to participate in this summit. In 24-hour news channels, breaking news holds great importance. And nowadays, if you look anywhere in the world, the entire world seems to be in breaking news mode. Amidst such hustle and bustle, you are hosting and participating in this summit, and therefore you deserve special congratulations. This time, your theme of discussion is equally significant: Great Power India: Nation First.
Friends,
Our scriptures say: Yato Dharmastato Jayah! - meaning, the root of victory and strength is Dharma. And Dharma means duty, Dharma means justice, Dharma means equality, Dharma means dialogue, Dharma means compassion. This very essence is embedded in the spirit of Nation First. India views its power through this lens, weighing it on this scale.
Friends,
India has another unique quality, which the world has now acknowledged. We are not a nation that reacts hastily to momentary events. We are a nation that has witnessed both development and destruction, endured them as well. We are a nation with the memory chip of ages embedded in our consciousness - a nation with the memory chip of millennia. That is why what India is doing today - and I say this with full responsibility - what India is doing today will write the future of the next thousand years. This is India’s greatest guarantee to the world. India is not only a fast-growing economy, it is also a credible economy. Alongside being a rising power - and you even stretched the dictionary to call it a superpower - I would certainly say that India is a reliable power. Just a few days ago, I returned from the G7 Summit, and every leader, every country understands very well that for today’s India, Nation First is the greatest mantra, the highest principle.
Friends,
Just a few days ago, our government completed 12 years. Arnab even compelled you to clap for that. If you weigh the achievements of the past twelve years, you will find that at the core of every decision, every step, every effort lies the spirit of Nation First. From the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to Make in India, from emphasizing khadi to encouraging local products - all these initiatives succeeded because the people of the country placed the nation above all and fulfilled their duty. I salute the citizens of this country.
Friends,
Here with us is our companion, Shri Sridhar Vembu ji. When our entrepreneurs walk with the spirit of Nation First, when they set their goals by understanding the needs of the nation, institutions are built and the country prospers. I don’t know how much has been discussed here about Shri Vembu ji’s work, but recently I went to VivaTech in France. There were nearly 1.5 to 2 lakh young people there. As I and the President of France walked through different stalls to see the innovations of the youth, we came to the Zoho stall. I was astonished and filled with pride to see the crowd of European youth gathered there, eager to understand what this new creation was. Perhaps in India it is not discussed as much, but what I saw in France was remarkable. Congratulations to you.
Friends,
The impact of Nation First in government policy and decisions can be seen in our tribal regions. I am not here to deliver philosophy, but let me share a few light examples so you can understand how work happens. I speak of tribal areas - a population of more than 100 million, the tribal society. We all know that for decades, Maoist terror had entrenched itself there. Even in the 21st century, these terrorists did not allow a single facility to reach those areas. No government vehicle could pass through; they would be riddled with bullets. Many governments came and went, generations passed, and it seemed this misfortune of violence would remain forever. You can imagine - between 2004 and 2014, in those ten years, due to Maoist terror, more than 17,000 violent incidents occurred, and nearly 7,000 lives were lost.
Friends,
For you, today’s headline or half-hour TV debate might be that Maoist terrorism has ended. But things don’t happen like that. It requires immense effort, and that is why I want to explain. Nowadays, some people keep waving the Constitution, but when they were in government, in Naxal-affected areas, even uttering the word “Constitution” could get you shot. At that time, they sat silently, their hands trembling, unable to hold up the Constitution. The Congress was hardly affected by that painful situation.
Friends,
After 2014, we moved forward with the spirit of Nation First to change the situation. We did not just talk, we did not just announce, we acted. We resolved to uproot Naxalism-Maoism completely, and today the whole country can see the result. Maoist terrorism in India is now counting its final breaths.
And friends,
Often the final outcome is so vast and significant that the hard work behind it goes unnoticed. I want to especially tell Republic TV viewers about this.
Friends,
In those Naxal-affected areas where even going out in daylight would terrify ordinary people - fearing abduction, extortion, or looting - where even speaking of development was impossible, we advanced with a pledge of progress. In the past 12 years, our government has built more than 12,000 kilometers of roads in such regions. Many times, our construction equipment was burned, contractors were chased away. If 25 people worked on a road, 200 police personnel had to guard them so the work could continue. We did all this because we had resolved to do it.
Friends,
We built more than 9,500 mobile towers. Earlier, even one tower could not be installed, and if installed, it would be destroyed. Because they always wanted to fuel anger. We brought mobile connectivity to nearly 45,000 villages. In Naxal-affected districts, more than 1,800 bank branches were opened. Around 75,000 banking correspondents and more than 6,000 new post offices were established. We did not rely only on bombs, guns, and bullets, friends - we invested every ounce of strength given by God to win hearts.
Friends,
With firm resolve, we went into Naxal-affected areas to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of ordinary people. You will be astonished - a notorious Naxalite, with a bounty of crores on his head, his mother received a ration card from us for the first time. Her son never allowed her to get one, because he wanted to run his terror regime. There are countless such incidents. I was shocked. And the government of that time sat silently, blind to the Constitution. But the result of all these efforts was a new wave of trust among the people. Today, look at Bastar - instead of bombs and guns, Bastar Olympics are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Two editions have already been held. In the first, more than 1.5 lakh youth participated, and in the second, nearly 4 lakh youth joined. Where once there was terror, now talent is finding opportunity, and sports are flourishing.
Friends,
One of the greatest achievements of these 12 years of service has been building an India filled with hope and aspiration, rising out of despair.
Friends,
Naxalism may have been concentrated in certain areas, but its pain was felt across every corner of India. And when news began to spread that Naxalism was ending, the sense of trust was not limited to those affected regions - it spread across the entire nation. In the ten years before 2014, under the Congress government, the discontent was not only about governance. The despair was far deeper. The nation had lost hope. People felt nothing could change, nothing could improve.
Friends,
In the past 12 years, India has transformed despair into hope, and this gives me the greatest satisfaction. Today, everyone feels that with a little more effort, things can be achieved. Gone are the days when the only refrain was “It cannot happen, it cannot happen.” That era has passed. Today, the spirit is “It will happen.” This new confidence is India’s true achievement, and this is real power. Challenges remain, and they always will. Challenges are shape-shifters, appearing in new forms. But whatever form they take, we will fight and we will win. When the nation moves forward with the belief that “it can be done and we will do it,” dreams are fulfilled.
Friends,
I want to speak here about more than 100 districts and over 500 blocks in India. These were left behind on every parameter of development, and earlier governments had stamped them as “backward districts” and “backward areas.” We lifted these vast regions out of the despair of backwardness and ignited aspirations for development. First, we changed their identity. We said these are “aspirational districts,” these are “aspirational blocks.” We created programs for aspirational districts and aspirational blocks, and the government began working meticulously on every parameter of development. In each district, we identified three aspects to overcome, in others six aspects, and focused efforts began. Today, these aspirational districts and blocks are driving the overall growth of states. Earlier, they dragged growth backward. These districts had large populations living in poverty and deprivation. In recent years, 250 million poor people have defeated poverty, and aspirational districts have played a major role in this.
Friends,
We see that when one person is cured of illness, it is not just that individual who recovers - the whole family feels relief. Similarly, when a son or daughter achieves something, it is not just their achievement, but the entire family is filled with pride and confidence. In the same way, when someone rises out of poverty, the entire society benefits, the nation benefits. When 250 million people have come out of poverty and entered the neo-middle class, the benefit is not limited to those families. The middle class also gains, because these are new consumers who drive the economy, ultimately creating opportunities for the middle class. Thus, poverty reduction is not merely a matter of welfare - it is a story of expanding opportunities, a source of new aspirations.
Friends,
The vast middle class that has emerged in the country over the past 12 years has been a major priority for the government. For the ease of living of the middle class, the government has worked at every level. Take the dream of owning a home. Every middle-class family desires to have their own house. In 2014, if a family wanted to buy a home, home loans came with double-digit interest rates. Today, loans are available from banks at 7–8 percent interest. Earlier, getting a loan was like winning a war, requiring immense effort. Today, it is possible from the comfort of one’s home. Here in Delhi-NCR, people know how thousands of urban middle-class homes were stuck incomplete. Families had paid their life savings to builders, who showed glossy pamphlets and dreams, but the houses were never delivered. Families had to pay rent while waiting endlessly for their homes. It was a terrible situation. To complete these stalled projects, we created a special fund of ₹25,000 crore. You will be glad to know that nearly 60,000 long-delayed homes have now been delivered across the country.
Friends,
Another aspect that affects daily life is connectivity and transport. Today, if you look at social media, tourists from around the world are amazed by our metro system.
Friends,
In 2014, about 2.8 million people traveled daily by metro. Today, nearly 12.8 million people travel by metro every day. Now, high-speed trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat are connecting the nation. With better roads and highways, not only is time saved, but vehicle maintenance costs have also reduced. In recent years, the number of airports has doubled. This has given the middle class in many smaller cities the opportunity to fly for the first time.
Friends,
In the past 12 years, India has not only increased the earnings of the middle class but also their savings. In 2013–14, income up to about ₹2 lakh was taxable, and the middle class bore that burden. Today, income up to ₹12 lakh is tax-free. In other words, tax-free income has multiplied several times.
Friends,
GST reforms have also brought great convenience to the middle class. Filing taxes has become easier, saving both time and money. Income tax returns can now be filed from home, and even settlement issues are handled in a faceless manner.
Friends,
A major expense for middle-class families is treatment for diabetes and other lifestyle-related conditions. At Jan Aushadhi Kendras, such medicines are available at an 80 percent discount. If earlier you spent ₹1,000, today you spend only ₹200, saving ₹800. Over the years, this has resulted in savings of nearly ₹40,000 crore for countless families. Another significant portion of the middle-class budget goes toward healthcare for the elderly. Today, every citizen above 70 years of age is entitled to free treatment up to ₹5 lakh.
Friends,
It is human nature to forget past difficulties when conveniences become routine. Earlier, you paid tax on ₹2 lakh income; now, up to ₹12 lakh is tax-free. Yet applause comes only when reminded. On the other hand, if a bus or train is delayed, complaints pour in. This is the most vocal class.
Friends,
As I said, people forget old troubles. You may not even remember the difficulties once faced in getting a driving license or passport. Earlier, it was a struggle. Today, obtaining a driving license is easier, and passports are usually issued within three days.
Friends,
I know the way our government works has raised people’s aspirations. Once a demand is met, people immediately seek something better, something upgraded. If earlier the demand was for a new road, once built, the next question is: when will the metro arrive? Earlier, expectations were that trains should arrive on time and provide clean seating. Today, the demand is: why isn’t Vande Bharat running on our route?
Friends,
Some see this as dissatisfaction, but it is aspiration. In fact, even the Congress party constantly says, “Modi ji, this should happen, that should happen.” They trust that if anyone can deliver, it is this government.
Friends,
Aspirations arise only where people believe dreams can be fulfilled. This is the aspiration of India’s youth, poor, and middle class. Today, it is the driving energy of BJP-NDA governments.
Friends,
On one side, a large section of the nation is aspirational. On the other side, there is a political group whose life mantra has become “Always Against.” This group is filled with chronic dissatisfaction. Let me share some symptoms so Republic TV viewers can recognize them. They will say, “Why doesn’t this place have 24-hour electricity?” But the next day, they protest against dams, solar parks, thermal plants, or nuclear projects. One day they ask why there is no electricity, the next day they oppose power generation. These are the same people who once opposed mineral mining, but today ask where India’s rare earth mineral reserves and supply chains are, and why India doesn’t have an EV ecosystem like other countries. They once debated “data versus flour,” but now demand to know what India has done in AI. In one breath, they say AI should have advanced further, and in the next, they oppose data centers and semiconductor plants, listing endless drawbacks on social media, TV debates, and newspapers.
Friends,
These people bring up corruption indices from around the world to put India in the dock. Their ecosystem’s media amplifies it 24/7. But when action is taken against corruption, they are the first to cry foul, claiming raids and investigations are harassment. They question why action is taken now, why not then, why against A and not B. This is their game.
Friends,
It is vital for the nation to understand their character. Especially our youth, and Gen Z in particular, must recognize them quickly. Otherwise, as I say, “Suryavanshi has arrived,” and he explains swiftly.
Friends,
These people claim the armed forces lack freedom and weapons. But when the government makes a defense deal or buys modern arms, they are the first to question why. They challenge India’s diplomacy worldwide, but when India builds infrastructure projects for diplomacy and security, they protest loudly.
Friends,
At this crucial juncture, India must identify such people, understand their flawed arguments, and remain alert. Unfortunately, today the main opposition party, Congress, has been taken over by such elements. To imagine Congress speaking of Nation First, as it did in Gandhi ji’s time, is now a false dream.
Friends,
The world today is challenging old paradigms, and the scale of disruption is immense. But these challenges also bring new opportunities. Every youth, entrepreneur, innovator, and startup in India must focus on these opportunities. The government, with the spirit of Nation First, stands fully with the people. India is now riding the Reform Express. This momentum will only accelerate. From this Republic TV platform, I say again: our dreams are vast, and our efforts will be equally immense. The collective endeavor of 1.4 billion Indians will build a developed India. And I assure you, you will see this developed India with your own eyes. It will not be left for future generations to wait. With this confidence, I once again extend my best wishes to Republic TV, its viewers, and all of you. Thank you very much!
