AKOLA/NANDED: PM Narendra Modi Saturday accused Congress of running Pakistan’s agenda by pushing for restoration of Article 370 in J&K, which the BJP-led Centre nullified in 2019, and cited a recent resolution moved in J&K assembly by the grand old party’s ally, National Conference, to prove his allegation. Addressing poll rallies in Maharashtra’s Akola and Nanded, he said that only Pakistan, Congress and anti-India forces were unhapppy with the removal of Article 370, an action which brought peace and progress to Kashmir. “We buried Article 370 forever to bring justice and rights to Kashmir’s Dalit community for the first time in 75 years,” Modi said.
He criticised Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and particularly Congress for turning the states governed by it into “ATMs for the party’s royal family”. The PM claimed that Congress-governed states like Himachal Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka became “money spinning machines” for the party. He cited recent reports that Rs 700 crore was allegedly extorted from liquor vendors in Karnataka, adding: “Imagine, if they’re looting during elections, how much will they loot if they win?”
The PM warned voters that if Congress and its allies gained power, Maharashtra might face similar levels of corruption. While Modi trained his guns on Congress, he refrained from directly attacking Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Uddhav Thackeray or NCP (SCP)’s Sharad Pawar.
Without naming Rahul Gandhi, the PM slammed him over the issue of allegedly waving a “fake copy” of Constitution and “insulting” Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. “During recent public gatherings, Congress leaders showed a red book labelled ‘Constitution of India’ with blank pages inside.”
PM Narendra Modi invoked Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, urging Maharashtra’s voters to “teach Congress a lesson” for allegedly betraying his legacy. He called on Marathi ‘manoos’ to stand against divisive politics and support BJP for Maharashtra’s progress and cultural pride.
He accused Congress of trying to divide Dalits and OBCs along caste lines for political gains, claiming that such tactics weaken the country. Calling for solidarity within SC communities, Modi encouraged them to resist Congress’s ‘dangerous strategies’ and focus on strengthening their collective voice. He praised voters in Haryana for rejecting divisive tactics, reminding Maharashtra’s Dalit community that unity is the path to empowerment and equality.
Affirming BJP’s commitment to preserving regional pride, Modi reminded people of his govt’s decision to recognise Marathi as a “classical language”. This status enhances Marathi’s cultural value, strengthening Maharashtra’s identity and reflecting BJP’s support for the state’s linguistic heritage, the Prime Minister added.