Mumbai — Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day visit to Mumbai, launched a scathing attack on the Congress party over its handling of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Speaking at the inauguration of Phase-1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport, PM Modi cited a recent comment by former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram to claim that the erstwhile UPA government had bowed to international pressure and prevented Indian forces from retaliating against Pakistan.
Without naming Chidambaram directly, PM Modi stated, “Mumbai is not only the economic engine but also one of the most vibrant cities of India. Terrorists have repeatedly targeted it. But instead of showing resolve, the Congress-led government at the time displayed weakness. A former Congress leader recently revealed that after the 2008 attacks, our security forces were ready to respond, but the government stopped them due to pressure from another country. The Congress should clarify this. The nation deserves answers.”
PM Modi said India had paid the price for such “mistakes” in the past with the lives of innocent citizens. Emphasizing a shift in approach under his leadership, he said the country now retaliates decisively. “Today, terrorists are not spared; they are eliminated in their own hideouts. Operation Sindoor is a prime example,” he said.
‘Viksit Bharat’ Vision Highlighted
Highlighting development milestones, PM Modi said the Navi Mumbai International Airport symbolizes his government’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). He noted the airport’s lotus-shaped design reflects Indian culture and heritage, and that the project would act as a gateway to global markets.
“This airport will benefit all—from farmers who will now access markets in the Middle East and Europe, to businesses seeking international reach,” he said. “It marks a step toward transforming Mumbai into a global hub of growth, investment, and opportunity.”
The Prime Minister also inaugurated the final phase of Mumbai Metro Line-3 and launched the “Mumbai One” app, which integrates 11 public transport services under one platform.
Mega Infrastructure Push
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu lauded the project, saying the airport would transform Mumbai into an international aviation hub. “In 2014, Mumbai had 190 daily international flights. Today, that number stands at 260. Mumbai is now directly connected to 55 countries,” he said.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised PM Modi’s leadership, saying the airport had been stuck in limbo for 50 years. “It took Prime Minister Modi’s decisive leadership to clear decades-old hurdles. In one meeting, all pending permissions were granted,” Fadnavis said, adding the airport could boost the state’s GDP by 1%.
Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde also hailed the project. Pawar called the airport a catalyst for tourism and investment, while Shinde said, “Wherever Modi lays a foundation, transformation follows. This airport is proof.”
Shinde added that the Navi Mumbai airport is India’s first greenfield airport and the largest of its kind, calling it a “shining example of Modi’s golden touch.”
