Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Nanded on Saturday, criticizing the Congress party for its alleged bias against the Backward Classes. Speaking ahead of Maharashtra’s assembly elections, Modi stated that the Congress cannot accept an OBC (Other Backward Class) Prime Minister, and it resents his leadership.
He accused Congress of hating the OBCs, claiming they find it hard to accept that a person from this community has been the Prime Minister for the last ten years. Modi stated that his approach has always been inclusive, striving to take everyone forward.
The Prime Minister further criticized Congress for fueling divisions among Dalits, Adivasis, and Backward Classes for political gain. According to Modi, the party’s strategy is to divide these groups to weaken their unity, as this helps Congress maintain power. He warned that such divisions could jeopardize reservation rights for these communities.
Modi accused Congress of using divisive tactics for decades, from Jawaharlal Nehru’s time to Rajiv Gandhi. He alleged that Congress leaders had systematically divided people along caste lines, undermining their rights and opportunities.
The Prime Minister also spoke in favor of the ‘Mahayuti’ alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, asserting that it had growing support. He emphasized that the alliance’s shared vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) resonated with the people. Referring to the defeat of BJP’s Pratap Chikhlikar by Congress’ Vasant Chavan, Modi expressed hope for a victory in the upcoming elections.
Modi also celebrated BJP’s success in the Haryana elections, predicting similar results in Maharashtra. “Maharashtra’s progress will be ensured by BJP-Mahayuti,” he added.
On the issue of farmers, Modi blamed Congress for Marathwada’s water and agricultural problems. He noted that under BJP’s leadership, the region had received Rs 80,000 crore in investment over the past two years. Modi reiterated that farmers’ welfare was a top priority for his government, highlighting various schemes aimed at supporting them.
Further criticizing Congress, Modi slammed the party for allegedly disrespecting Dr. Ambedkar’s Constitution. He accused Congress of distributing a “red book” with blank pages instead of the Constitution, claiming it was an attempt to erase Ambedkar’s legacy.
Modi also questioned Congress’ support for Article 370, asking why they were so insistent on restoring it in Jammu and Kashmir.
The by-election for the Nanded Lok Sabha seat was triggered by the death of Congress MP Vasant Chavan. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and BJP Rajya Sabha member Ashok Chavan attended the rally.
In response, Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole accused Modi of using divisive language in his speeches. Patole rejected Modi’s claims, stating that Maharashtra honors the legacy of social reformers like Mahatma Phule and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He criticized the BJP’s approach, claiming slogans like “ek hai to safe hai” (Only together, we are safe) sow division rather than solving problems. Patole urged the Prime Minister to focus on addressing the issues faced by farmers.
Patole also criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah for misrepresenting history by linking Ramdas to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He accused Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputies of misleading the public with schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana.
Maharashtra’s assembly elections will take place on November 20, with results to be announced on November 23.
Leave a Reply