‘Some think Constitution resides in their pockets’: PM Modi takes veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took a veiled swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his frequent display of a copy of the Constitution at public events, saying some people believe the country's Constitution and democracy “reside in their pocket”.

Addressing the Kisan Tak Bharat Agriculture Conference 2026 in Delhi, PM Modi questioned the conduct of those who, he said, remained under an “intoxication of authority” even after losing power. He contrasted their present-day speeches on democracy and tolerance with their actions when they were in government.

"These days, some people pull out the Constitution from their pockets. And they think that the nation's Constitution and democracy reside in their pocket. Even while out of power, they remain under a distinct intoxication of authority. But back when these very people were in power, what were their actions like?" the Prime Minister said.

Recalling his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, PM Modi cited an economy-related ranking in which the state had secured the top position. He said the institution that recognised Gujarat was named after a former Prime Minister, but those in power in Delhi at the time could not accept the recognition.

"In one such economy-related ranking, Gujarat was ranked number one. At that time, I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. The institution that awarded Gujarat the number one ranking was named after a former Prime Minister of India. This hint should be enough; as for the exact name, you will easily find it out," he said.

PM Modi alleged that the authorities had directed researchers to seek prior approval before publishing reports.

"However, those occupying the seat of power in Delhi at the time could not digest this honour being given to Gujarat. They formally issued directives to the researchers stating that this would not do and that prior approval must be taken from them before publishing any report," he said.

"That was the reality back then, and today, those very people go around preaching about tolerance and democracy," he added.

Diesel price burden and support for farmers

The Prime Minister also defended the government's decision to limit the increase in diesel prices despite a sharp rise in global crude oil rates following the conflict in West Asia.

He said crude oil prices had climbed from USD 70 to USD 122 per barrel within a few weeks, creating a major challenge for India. According to him, the situation warranted a diesel price increase of at least Rs 50 per litre, but the government raised the price by only Rs 7 per litre and absorbed the remaining Rs 43.

"When the threat of war loomed over West Asia, the price of crude oil surged from $70 to $122 per barrel in just a few weeks. India faced a major challenge at that time. It became necessary to increase the price of diesel by at least Rs 50 per litre. Faced with this situation, the government made a decision in the best interest of our farmers. Instead of the required 50-rupee hike, the government increased the price of diesel by only 7 rupees per litre, choosing to shoulder the remaining burden of 43 rupees per litre itself," PM Modi said.

He added that diesel prices had risen by 40 to 50 per cent in several neighbouring countries, while India had avoided a similar increase.

"From that time until today, the government has been bearing a loss of Rs 14,000 crore every month... every single month! Yet, we did not let our nation's farmers feel the heat," he said.

PM Modi said such decisions were guided by the priority given to farmers' welfare and the principle of 'Nagrik Devo Bhava'.

"When the welfare of the country's farmers is paramount, and when guided by the ethos of 'Nagrik Devo Bhava', only then are such sensitive decisions made," he said.

He also highlighted the government's efforts to protect livestock, saying free vaccinations against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) had been administered to the animals of more than eight crore farmers.

"We are also prioritising the protection of livestock from diseases. To safeguard animals against Foot and Mouth Disease, free vaccinations have been administered to the livestock of over eight crore farmers. Everyone is aware that we provided free vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, but this is PM Modi- he ensures that animals, too, receive free vaccinations," he said.

PM-KUSUM, solar-powered equipment and agricultural growth

The Prime Minister called for greater use of solar energy in agriculture, saying farmers could become energy providers alongside producing food. Citing the PM-KUSUM scheme, he said around 1.2 million solar pumps had been provided, helping farmers reduce electricity costs. He added that farmers could also earn additional income by setting up solar plants on their land.

PM Modi urged agricultural scientists, engineers, start-ups and young innovators to develop solar-powered equipment to reduce farming costs and make agricultural operations more efficient.

"Our agricultural scientists, engineers, and youth are collaborating to develop tools and machinery that are effectively reducing the costs of farming," he said.

He said new machines were being developed to make sowing and harvesting easier and called on experts to work directly with farmers.

"Just as the world is moving towards electric vehicles, I envision all types of agricultural tools and equipment being powered by solar energy. I am working towards this vision in collaboration with farmers. I will certainly call upon engineers to work on this. It could become the foundation of a major revolution," he said.

The Prime Minister also urged start-up founders to ensure that the equipment they develop runs on solar power, reiterating the government's vision of taking solar energy to every farm.

Agriculture central to vision of Viksit Bharat

PM Modi said India could not become a developed nation without modernising agriculture, making farming smarter and empowering farmers. He described agriculture as central to the country's progress, culture and social life.

"You cannot build a developed India without developing agriculture, making farming smarter and empowering farmers. Agriculture is not just an economic sector; it is central to India's progress," he said.

Linking the conference to the festive season, particularly Chhath, the Prime Minister said agriculture was deeply rooted in India's traditions and way of life.

"This event is taking place at a time when the country is in a festive mood. We celebrated Diwali two or three days ago. Now the splendour of the grand Chhath festival has taken over," he said.

"The Chhath festival is deeply connected to agrarian life. Farming is our culture, our tradition, and the foundation of our social life," he added.

Referring to his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, PM Modi said agriculture was among the seven streams of strength identified for building a developed India.

He said the country's agricultural growth rate had remained above four per cent over the past decade, describing it as the first decade since Independence in which the sector had achieved such growth.

The Prime Minister also cited a recent World Bank study, saying it had found that 50 crore people in India had overcome poverty in the past 12 to 13 years. He said the reduction in rural poverty had helped small farmers and agricultural labourers improve their economic conditions.

"During this same period, a large number of poor people in villages have overcome poverty. But unfortunately, those caught up in news angles and agendas have failed to notice this achievement of the country," he said.

(With ANI inputs)