Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the BJP is dedicated to "Rashtra Bhakti (patriotism)" but its rivals only knew "Parivar Bhakti (nepotism)". Addressing party workers, he also referred to global pressure on India to take a stronger stand against Russia's Ukraine invasion and said in a polarised world, India had stood firm on its policy and had prioritised national interest.
The BJP's foundation day was important for three reasons including the "fast-changing world and global order", the Prime Minister said in a virtual address to the party on its big day.
"Today, the world is watching an India that remains firm on its interests without any fear or pressure. When the world is polarised between two rival forces, India is seen to be a nation that can talk about humanity with determination. Our government keeps national interest above all else," PM Modi said.
Among the reasons this Foundation Day was even more significant for the BJP was its recent election victories, the PM told party colleagues.
"A few weeks ago, the BJP's 'double-engine Sarkar (government)' returned in four states. And after three decades any party has reached the 100-mark in Rajya Sabha," PM Modi said.
PM Modi once again hit out at "dynastic families", without naming the Congress or the Samajwadi Party, his chief targets in recent election rallies and public speeches.
"Dynastic families are the biggest enemy of democracy," he said, adding that every BJP member should be proud that the party made it an electoral issue and was able to convince people of the dangers of dynastic politics.
Parties devoted to family rule had no regard for the constitution and covered up their corruption and misdeeds even though they may be active in different states, said the PM.
"At the national level and in various states, there are some political parties who work only for the benefit of their families. These dynastic parties did not allow the country's youth to progress and always betrayed them," PM Modi remarked.
He also stressed that the responsibilities of every BJP member were constantly increasing. "Each and every worker of the BJP is a representative of the country's dreams," added PM Modi.
"It Pains My Heart...": PM Cites Germany, Lanka Attacks At Christmas Event Rozgar Mela: PM Modi Distributes 71,000 Appointment Letters To New Recruits PM Modi Meets Yoga Practitioner, Other Influencers In Kuwait Bengaluru Techie Loses Rs 11.8 Crore After "Digital Arrest" Sebastian Zapeta: All About Guatemalan Migrant Who Set Woman On Fire "No Comment": India On Bangladesh Seeking Sheikh Hasina's Extradition Navy's Warship INS Tushil Docks In London On Maiden Operational Deployment "It Pains My Heart...": PM Cites Germany, Lanka Attacks At Christmas Event Illegal Migrant: Delhi Schools Ordered To Follow Strict Admission Process Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.