Modi Slams Congress of Corruption, Caste Politics in Maharashtra
Akola, Maharashtra – In a powerful speech during a campaign rally in Maharashtra’s Akola district, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a strong stance against the Congress party, accusing it of corrupt practices, encouraging caste-based divisions, and disrespecting India’s Constitution. Modi’s statements come as Maharashtra prepares for crucial elections, with both the ruling BJP and Congress vying for influence in the state.
Addressing a large gathering in the Vidarbha region, Modi did not mince words in his condemnation of Congress. He alleged that the Congress had reduced the Constitution to a mere political tool, using it to advance divisive agendas rather than uphold its principles. Highlighting his concerns, Modi said, “Congress people are showing a red book labeled ‘Constitution of India’ with blank pages inside. This statement reflects their disrespect and animosity towards Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.”
Congress Accused of Politicizing the Constitution
Prime Minister Modi’s remarks were in response to recent events where Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, prominently displayed copies of the Constitution at rallies. The Congress party has framed the current electoral contest as a battle to protect the Constitution, accusing the BJP of undermining democratic values. However, a political controversy erupted recently when the BJP alleged that Congress distributed blank books titled “Constitution of India” as a publicity gimmick—a charge Congress has vehemently denied.
Modi’s criticism of the Congress goes beyond mere political rivalry. He accused the Congress of undermining the very essence of the Constitution, Thus, he positions his party as the protector of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy, the principal architect of the Constitution. They despise Babasaheb for being a Dalit and for receiving recognition for the Constitution’s authorship. Babasaheb inspires me, the BJP, and my administration, declared Modi. He also emphasized that his administration had developed significant sites linked to Ambedkar’s life, underscoring the BJP’s commitment to honoring his contributions.
Modi Claims Congress Promotes Caste Divisions
The Prime Minister’s speech also targeted the Congress’s alleged use of caste-based politics to create divisions within society. He cautioned that the Congress is well-versed in exploiting such fractures to its advantage, accusing the party of plotting to weaken India’s unity by encouraging discord among castes. “Congress creates a divide between various castes. It will take away the rights of the Scheduled Castes. This is their conspiracy and character,” Modi said, appealing to the people to resist these tactics.
Modi’s warnings come at a time when Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have openly advocated for a caste-based census, arguing that such data would allow more effective allocation of resources to marginalized communities. Modi, however, views this as an attempt by Congress to splinter the unity of OBCs (Other Backward Classes), SCs (Scheduled Castes), and STs (Scheduled Tribes) to diminish their collective political power.
Modi stated that there is an attempt to fragment the OBC communities into smaller castes, thereby weakening their collective strength. He implied that the Congress might even jeopardize caste-based reservations for political advantage. In his message to voters, Modi reiterated, “Ek hain toh safe hain” (We are safe if we are united), underscoring his belief that national unity supersedes caste divisions.
Article 370 and Alleged Links to Separatism
Modi’s critique of Congress’s stance on Article 370 further intensified his rhetoric. He accused the Congress of “encouraging Pakistan’s agenda” by supporting the restoration of Article 370, a constitutional provision that previously granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 was abrogated by the Modi government in 2019, a decision that has remained divisive.
Highlighting Congress’s support for a resolution calling for the reinstatement of Article 370, Modi said, “They want to push J&K back into the clutches of violence, but Article 370 will never be restored.” Modi framed the issue as not merely political but as a matter of national integrity, implying that Congress’s position aligns with the interests of separatists and external adversaries.
Congress leaders have argued that restoring Article 370 would honor the promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Modi, however, claimed that such actions only embolden anti-national sentiments and threaten India’s stability. He urged voters to reject Congress’s position on Article 370, positioning the BJP as a defender of national unity and security.
Congress Criticized for Corruption and “ATM” Politics
Another major theme of Modi’s speech was corruption within the Congress. He accused the party of turning states governed by Congress, such as Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, into “ATMs” for financing the needs of the “shahi parivar” (royal family). Modi’s reference was a clear jab at the Gandhi family, whom he accused of using Congress-ruled states to support their personal interests rather than benefit the common people.
Modi cited examples of anti-corruption efforts and economic reforms led by his government, suggesting that Congress-ruled states have consistently lagged in development due to alleged misappropriation of funds. Prime Minister Modi stated that any state where the Congress establishes a government turns into an ATM for the party’s royal family. He mentioned that currently, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana are serving as such ATMs.
His remarks on Congress’s alleged financial mismanagement appeared to resonate with the audience, with the Prime Minister highlighting BJP’s focus on transparency and development. In contrast, he portrayed Congress as prioritizing “royal family” interests over the welfare of the people.
Highlighting the BJP’s “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) vision, Modi claimed that there was a strong wave in Maharashtra favoring the Mahayuti alliance, A coalition spearheaded by the BJP, in alliance with the Shiv Sena and a segment of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), is gaining momentum. Currently, there is a strong wave of support for the Mahayuti and BJP throughout Maharashtra. People are saying that for a developed Maharashtra, Mahayuti’s government is needed,” Modi said, suggesting that BJP’s focus on economic growth and infrastructure was gaining traction.
In the Marathwada region, Modi highlighted the impact of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, the new Shakti-peeth Expressway, and investments that have reportedly created employment opportunities. According to Modi, Marathwada has received ₹80,000 crore in investment over the past two years, with projects like the rail coach factory and logistics parks opening avenues for economic growth.
He underscored the importance of infrastructure development in transforming Maharashtra’s economy, contrasting the BJP’s achievements with what he described as Congress’s neglect and mismanagement. He assured that if the Mahayuti coalition were given another mandate, the BJP would continue driving development initiatives to create jobs and uplift marginalized communities.
As Maharashtra heads toward the polls, Modi’s rally in Akola marked an intensification of his campaign, aimed at rallying support for the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition. By highlighting Congress’s alleged caste-based tactics, corruption, and support for Article 370, Modi positioned the BJP as a unifying force committed to progress and national integrity.
The Prime Minister’s speech served as a call to action for Maharashtra’s electorate, urging them to vote for the Mahayuti coalition as a means of rejecting Congress’s divisive and allegedly corrupt policies. By centering his message on unity, development, and constitutional respect, Modi sought to align the BJP’s objectives with the aspirations of Maharashtra’s people, portraying the upcoming elections as a choice between unity and division, development and stagnation.
With polls approaching, the stakes are high in Maharashtra, as both parties rally their base and seek to capture the electorate’s imagination with contrasting visions for the state’s future.
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