Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras counters JDU chief’s remarks on PM Modi

In response to Janata Dal-United (JDU) President Lalan Singh’s comments that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fearful of the newly formed “INDIA bloc”, Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras fired back on Tuesday, asserting that it is the joint opposition alliance that is apprehensive, not the PM.
JDU Chief, Lalan Singh, in a prior statement had pointed out, “The nation can observe that PM Narendra Modi is apprehensive. He has grown desperate and uneasy following the establishment of the INDIA alliance.”
Refuting these claims, Paras questioned, “Why would PM Modi feel threatened? It’s the Opposition that seems perturbed, shifting their alliance’s name frequently. They’ve transitioned from UPA to INDIA. What reason would the NDA or the PM have to feel threatened?”
Elaborating on the PM’s dedication to the nation, Paras emphasised that PM Modi is deeply committed to his work. He praised Modi for being the premier leader who consistently addresses the concerns of marginalised sections including the poor, the youth, the unemployed, and the widows. He also lauded the PM’s focus on educational reforms. “Why would someone so dedicated fear the INDIA alliance?” posed the Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party leader.
Earlier, Lalan Singh, during a press interaction, referred to PM Modi’s speech in the Parliament concerning the no-confidence motion, observing that the PM’s extensive discussion on the ‘INDIA’ alliance, lasting for ninety minutes, was indicative of his unease.
The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) is a newly minted opposition alliance, comprising 26 parties. Its primary objective is to challenge the reigning National Democratic Alliance (NDA), spearheaded by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in the 2024 General Elections.
The collective opposition’s inaugural meeting was organised in Patna, Bihar on June 23, with a subsequent one in Bengaluru, Karnataka on July 17-18. The forthcoming assembly is scheduled in Mumbai, Maharashtra from August 31 to September 1.