Home Minister contrasts Modi govt’s economic record with Congress era, slams Kerala’s “stagnation”
Kochi | August 22, 2025 — Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made historic progress, particularly in economic growth, but cautioned that the journey is far from complete. Speaking at the Manorama News Conclave 2025 in Kochi, Shah declared that “no one has the right to rest until India reaches the pinnacle in every field.”
The Home Minister praised Modi for transforming India’s economy into the world’s fourth largest, up from the 11th position in 2014. “During Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s leadership, India was the 11th largest economy. The Congress government that followed ensured only one thing — that the country did not slip to 12th place. But in just 11 years, Modi ji has taken India to the fourth spot,” Shah said to applause.
Kerala Criticism
Shah also used the platform to criticize the Left-led government in Kerala, accusing it of holding back the state’s development due to what he called “the stagnation of communist ideology.” “While India has surged ahead, Kerala remains where it was 11 years ago. The state has immense potential, but it is trapped by outdated policies. I hope people of Kerala will use their right to vote wisely in the coming years and join the national development journey,” Shah remarked.
Global Challenges, Domestic Resolve
Shah’s statement came on a day when India faced external economic pressures. The United States imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, penalizing New Delhi for its continued purchase of Russian oil. The move is expected to hurt sectors such as textiles, marine exports, and leather. Shah, however, insisted that India’s growth trajectory under Modi was resilient enough to withstand external shocks.
“Whenever the history of India is written, the 11 years of Modi ji’s governance will be inscribed in golden letters. From peace to development, from economic reforms to global standing, his leadership has changed the course of the nation,” Shah asserted.
Call for National Effort
Linking his remarks to the broader vision of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Shah recalled Modi’s message during the 75th year of Independence. “As we journey from 75 to 100 years of freedom, all 1.4 billion Indians must contribute. Until we reach the pinnacle, until Bharat becomes a leader in every sector, no citizen has the right to rest,” he said.
The conclave speech underscored the political messaging of the BJP ahead of multiple state elections and the build-up to the 2029 general elections. By mixing praise for Modi’s governance with sharp criticism of opposition-ruled states, Shah’s address served both as a policy defense and an electoral rallying cry.
