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In a fiery political address ahead of the November 20 Maharashtra state assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing its leadership of holding an entrenched belief in their birthright to rule India. He alleged that this mentality, rooted in a sense of entitlement within the Congress's 'shahi parivar' (royal family), had systematically prevented the progress of Dalits, backward classes, and Adivasis since India's independence. Modi's speech, delivered at a rally in Chimur, Chandrapur district, further fueled the ongoing political battle in Maharashtra, setting the stage for a fierce contest between the BJP-led Mahayuti and the Congress alliance.
The Prime Minister highlighted a 1980s advertisement published by the Congress party under the leadership of Rajiv Gandhi, questioning the special rights enjoyed by marginalized communities. Modi presented this advertisement as evidence of the Congress's anti-reservation attitude, accusing the party of undermining the constitutional provisions designed to ensure social justice and inclusivity. This accusation is likely to resonate with the large population of Dalit, backward, and tribal voters in Maharashtra, potentially swaying their support in favor of the BJP-led coalition.
Modi's speech also focused on the BJP's commitment to development, emphasizing the party's Sankalp Patra (poll manifesto) as a guarantor of Maharashtra's progress. He further capitalized on the recent abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir, a move supported by the BJP, framing it as a victory for national unity and a step towards ensuring that India operates under a single Constitution. By emphasizing the 'one nation, one Constitution' principle, Modi attempted to solidify his stance on national integration and portray the Congress as a threat to this unity. Additionally, he announced the government's financial assistance program for soybean farmers, showcasing the BJP's focus on agricultural welfare.
Modi's rally was strategically timed to coincide with the upcoming state elections, where the BJP is aiming to retain power in Maharashtra. His attack on the Congress, coupled with promises of development and social justice, are intended to appeal to voters and secure the BJP's victory. The Congress party, on the other hand, has been actively campaigning across the state, focusing on its own promises of economic growth and social welfare. The upcoming elections are expected to be fiercely contested, with both parties vying for the support of the electorate.
Source: Congress' 'Shahi Parivar' Believes It Was Born To Rule India: PM Modi