PM Modi highlights difference between 'Garibi Hatao' slogan and poverty reduction figures

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing journalists during a Diwali Milan programme organised at the BJP headquarters, stated that there was a time when 'Garibi Hatao' (Remove Poverty) was a common slogan from the Red Fort, but recently, a World Bank report has shown significant efforts by India in reducing poverty. According to a News18 report, the Prime Minister cited recent World Bank estimates highlighting India's progress on the path of poverty reduction.

The Prime Minister stated that according to the World Bank's 'Poverty and Equity Brief' of October 2026, approximately 49.6 crore people have risen above the poverty levels of lower-middle income between 2011 and 2023. In this way, he clarified the difference between years-old political slogans and current actual poverty reduction figures.

Recalling his old associations with journalists, the Prime Minister said that in his early days in the BJP, he was responsible for arranging chairs and making arrangements for journalists attending Diwali Milan programmes. Speaking about his changing relationship with the media, he said his experience has evolved from handling press releases to the rise of social media platforms and Instagram reels.

Discussing the development of technology, Modi said that there was a time when fax machines had to be used to send press releases, but with the development of digital technology, the form of media has completely changed. He observed that mobile phones can now perform many tasks previously done by Outside Broadcast (OB) vans, and today, a mobile phone itself has become an OB van.

Speaking on the increasing prevalence of individual news channels and podcasts, the Prime Minister said that people now have platforms available to express opinions on almost every subject. Comparing it to the popularity of cricket experts in the past, he added that people can now be seen giving their views on news and current affairs in every street. Praising the role of Indian media in keeping public debate alive, he acknowledged the importance of diverse opinions for democracy.

The Prime Minister requested the Indian media to focus more on the country's success stories and convey those details to people living abroad. He said that work on the country's success stories has begun, but more work is needed in this direction. Along with this, he also urged journalists to spread awareness against drug abuse.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by field reporters, the Prime Minister noted that they often risk their lives while covering events. Emphasising the importance of deadlines, he said that just as deadlines are necessary for the press, they are also necessary for the nation. He added that today, we are also working with a deadline with the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Narendra Modi is the current Prime Minister of India and is a leading leader in Indian politics.