Salman Khurshid urges 'accountant' Modi to speak as nation's PM, not the BJP's

Expressing disappointment at Narendra Modi's 'saddening' Independence Day address, former external affairs minister Salman Khurshid on 15 August asserted that the former must realise that he is addressing the entire nation as its Prime Minister and not just as that of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP).

Speaking to ANI, Khurshid said that the Prime Minister should not use the occasion to discriminate or play petty politics, but to unite the nation.

"On this day you are supposed to carry the nation forward together and the Prime Minister should realise that he is speaking as everyone's Prime Minister and not just of a particular party," Khurshid said.

Stating that Prime Minister Modi has simply rattled off facts and figures in his address, the senior Congress leader compared the former to an 'accountant', who kept giving a roundup of the monthly achievements of an organisation.

"I'm saddened by hearing him make - what seemed like a speech you make during an election- where ordinary people fight ordinary battles. Lifting the nation above any difference and speaking on behalf of the whole nation is something that he is completely failed," Khurshid said.

Addressing the nation earlier today after unfurling the National Flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi conveyed his greetings to 125 crore Indians at home and abroad and said that his government is surrounded with aspirations.

The Prime Minister said that his government has made 'One Rank, One Pension' a reality and he also highlighted that the government has revived sectors such as BSNL, shipping corporation and Air India.

He also highlighted the revival of 118 stuck projects worth 7.5 lakh crore rupees and on the government's ambitious 'Aadhaar' scheme.

Prime Minister Modi said the government has now connected 70 crore Indians through Aadhaar and social security schemes.

--ANI