PM Modi Says Politics Must Deliver Ground-Level Change, Not Short-Term Electoral Gains

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said political leaders should focus on delivering tangible change while balancing present and future needs, rather than prioritising short-term electoral considerations.

Key Takeaways

Addressing the World Leaders Forum organised by The Economic Times, PM Modi said political headlines often focus on decisions whose impact lasts only briefly. He alleged that earlier governments frequently made pre-election announcements that risked dividing society, while lasting progress comes from policies that deliver visible results and protect the country’s long-term interests.

Highlighting two flagship schemes, PM Modi cited the PM-KUSUM Yojana and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana as examples of policies aimed at creating sustained benefits. He said PM-KUSUM had helped farmers overcome concerns over electricity for irrigation.

The PM Surya Ghar scheme, meanwhile, has benefited middle-class households by turning rooftops into sources of solar power.

“We had planned to place a sun on the roof of every house,” the Prime Minister said, adding that more than 50 lakh families are now associated with the scheme.

The government has provided more than ₹22,000 crore to these households for installing solar systems.

Beneficiaries are generating electricity for household needs, including running washing machines and televisions, while earning by selling surplus power to the grid.

PM Modi said the scheme has helped families overcome power cuts that previously resulted in spoiled milk and disrupted children’s studies. He further added that access to free or affordable appliances has become possible for many households.

The Prime Minister said the benefits of rooftop solar would continue to expand businesses and improve quality of life irrespective of electoral cycles.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment, Prime Minister Modi said work would continue with full dedication to accelerate India’s development. He expressed confidence that India would play a major role in shaping the world’s future and emerge as a stronger, safer and more capable country with a meaningful global role.