Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched a sharp, indirect attack, widely believed to be aimed at prominent INDIA bloc figures like Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav. He branded them as “naamdaars” – individuals born into privilege, suggesting they are out of touch with the harsh realities faced by ordinary families. According to PM Modi, these “naamdaars” simply cannot comprehend the profound struggles of a poor mother or the pain endured by her children, viewing national power merely as a family inheritance.
The Prime Minister specifically referenced alleged derogatory comments made during the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar just last week. He emphasized, “The struggles (Tapasya) of a poor mother, the suffering of her son – these young princes born into royal families cannot understand.” He reiterated his point, stating, “These naamdaar people were born with a silver spoon in their mouths. The power of the country and Bihar seems like an inheritance of their family to them.”
His criticism didn’t stop there. PM Modi also took aim at the Congress party, accusing it of consistently hindering the progress of backward or extremely backward communities. “Congress has never tolerated a backwards or extremely backwards person moving ahead!” he declared. He elaborated on this sentiment, saying, “They think that naamdaars have the right to abuse kaamdaars… that is why they abuse.”
PM Modi also highlighted the crucial role women played in Bihar, crediting them with defeating the RJD. He suggested their efforts were instrumental in removing the party from power. “Bihar has come out of that darkness after a long battle. All you women of Bihar have played a very big role in removing RJD and defeating it repeatedly,” he asserted. He then linked this to the alleged resentment from RJD and Congress, stating, “That is why, be it RJD or Congress, these people are most upset with you women today. These people want to take revenge on you they are looking for an opportunity so that they can punish you.”
A particularly emotional point for PM Modi was the condemnation of abusive remarks directed at his late mother. He labeled these comments as an insult to all mothers, sisters, and daughters across India. “Mother is our world. Mother is our self-respect. I had not even imagined what happened a few days ago in this tradition-rich Bihar,” he shared. He revealed, “My mother was abused from the stage of RJD-Congress in Bihar… These abuses are not just an insult to my mother. These are insults to the mothers, sisters and daughters of the country.”
He further added to the poignancy of his statement, explaining that his mother, who had no involvement in politics and is no longer alive, had separated him from herself so he could dedicate his life to serving the women of the country. “My mother, who has nothing to do with politics, who is no more, was abused from the stage of the RJD, Congress. Sisters and mothers, I can see your faces I can only imagine the pain you must have felt. I can see tears in the eyes of some mothers. This is very sad, painful,” PM Modi expressed, his voice imbued with sorrow.
The “naamdaars versus kaamdaars” jibe is not a new rhetorical tool for PM Modi. He has deployed this comparison frequently in the past to draw a clear distinction between what he portrays as the privileged elite and the hardworking common person.
Just last year, prior to the Madhya Pradesh election, the Prime Minister used this very phrase during an election rally. He commented on Rahul Gandhi’s alleged enjoyment of abusing him, but urged the public not to be angered by it. He rationalized this by stating that for centuries, “naamdaars” have historically abused “kaamdaars.”
Addressing an election rally in Morena, he articulated, “Congress Shehzada enjoys abusing Modi. People on social media are saying that this language is not right. People are getting upset about it. I am appealing to them that you don’t have to be sad. They are Naamdar and we are Kaamdar. Naamdars have been abusing kaamdaars for centuries. I have come out from poverty if again I get abused, then let it be. Don’t waste your time.”
In 2019, during the final phase of the Lok Sabha polls, PM Modi again utilized the “naamdaars” epithet. He alleged that the Congress “naamdaar” family and a “corrupt” family in Bihar had amassed assets worth thousands of crores. He questioned the origin of this wealth: “Be it Congress Naamdaar family or the corrupt family in Bihar, their assets are in hundred-thousand crores now. From where did the money come? Had they cared a little for the nation and the poor, they would have hesitated from indulging in corruption,” he stated, clearly linking the term to perceived illicit gains.
Even amidst the Opposition’s “Chowkidar Chor Hai” (watchman is a thief) campaign, PM Modi took the opportunity to refer to “naamdaars.” He asserted that the campaign was an insult to all watchmen of the nation, and that it was the task of “naamdaars” to spread hatred. “They are saying Chowkidar Chor Hai (watchman is a thief). They want to abuse me. The job of these naamdaars (dynasts) is to spread hatred. Even if a kaamdar (worker) becomes a Prime Minister, these people will continue abusing,” he had said, framing the opposition’s criticism as a class-based attack from the privileged few against the working class.
The Prime Minister’s consistent use of the “naamdaars” and “kaamdaars” narrative aims to underscore his humble origins and present himself as a champion of the common people, contrasting his journey with those he portrays as having inherited their positions and power.
He wants to highlight the perceived disconnect between the privileged political elite and the everyday struggles faced by vast sections of the Indian population. This rhetorical strategy serves to rally public support by appealing to sentiments of aspiration and hard work, while simultaneously critiquing dynastic politics and perceived elitism. The term “naamdaars” itself implies a sense of inherited status rather than earned merit, a contrast PM Modi frequently draws to bolster his own image as a self-made leader. This repeated emphasis on the “naamdaars” vs. “kaamdaars” narrative is a core component of his political communication, designed to resonate deeply with voters who identify with the struggles of the working class.
Ultimately, PM Modi’s latest comments continue a long-standing use of a particular political framing. He consistently positions himself and his party as representatives of the working class against an entrenched, privileged opposition. This narrative aims to solidify his base and challenge the legitimacy of his political rivals by questioning their understanding of common struggles. The focus on “naamdaars” ensures this message remains central to his public discourse.