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In the run-up to the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress party during his campaign rallies, accusing them of propagating the ideas of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. His remarks, delivered during a series of rallies across the state, centered around the renaming of Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and highlighted the BJP's development agenda for Maharashtra.
Modi, addressing a large rally in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, directly questioned the audience, asking them if they would vote for those who respect and follow Sambhaji Maharaj, a revered Maratha warrior-king, or for those who espouse the principles of Aurangzeb. This rhetorical strategy sought to appeal to the strong regional sentiment and historical consciousness present in Maharashtra, especially among the Maratha community.
He further emphasized that the renaming of Aurangabad was a long-held desire of Shiv Sena leader Balasaheb Thackeray, a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics. He criticized the previous government, which included the Shiv Sena, for failing to implement the name change due to alleged pressure from the Congress. The BJP's decision to go ahead with the renaming after coming to power, he argued, demonstrated their commitment to the cultural and historical identity of Maharashtra.
Modi went on to detail the development initiatives undertaken by the BJP-led government, emphasizing the construction of the Samruddhi Mahamarg, a major highway project connecting various regions of the state, and investments in infrastructure and industrial parks. He also highlighted the government's efforts to address the water crisis in Marathwada through the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyaan, a water conservation scheme.
He contrasted the BJP's developmental approach with what he described as the Congress's divisive politics and their alleged opposition to reservation policies. He criticized Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader, for his stance against reservation, drawing parallels between the Congress's ideology and what he perceived as a lack of support for reservation among some sections of the population.
Modi concluded his address by accusing the Congress of being against Jammu and Kashmir's integration with India, referring to their opposition to the abrogation of Article 370. He presented the BJP as the party committed to the development and prosperity of Maharashtra, urging the people to vote for the Mahayuti alliance in the upcoming elections.
This campaign strategy, centered around accusations against the Congress and highlighting the BJP's achievements, is a common tactic employed by political parties in India during election campaigns. By appealing to regional sentiment, focusing on development, and criticizing the opposition's ideology, the BJP seeks to attract voters and secure victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Source: Maharashtra elections: Congress propagating Aurangzeb’s ideas, says PM Modi