Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing diatribe against the opposition INDIA on Sunday, affirming their failure to select a PM candidate amid internal discord.
Addressing a public gathering in Nawada, Bihar, his second within 72 hours, Prime Minister Modi inquired into the conspicuous absence of INDIA bloc leaders from the campaign trail. “My curiosity piqued as to their sudden reticence. I learned of significant upheaval within the upper echelons of the INDIA bloc over the past fortnight. It was revealed that one leader staunchly refuses to participate in any election rallies until his nomination as the bloc’s PM candidate is declared. Such is their state of disarray, unable to reach consensus on leadership and embroiled in internal strife,” PM Modi declared.
He further excoriated the alliance, asserting its lack of coherent vision or dependability. “While they stand united in Delhi, their state-level leaders engage in mutual recriminations. In Bihar, the opposition alliance nominates one candidate, only for another to claim the same candidacy,” he remarked, characterizing the alliance as a coalition born of necessity.
“Their common thread is an insatiable hunger for power. The INDIA bloc harbors the morally bankrupt,” he continued, alluding to controversial remarks made by Karnataka MP D K Suresh, indicative of the Congress party’s mindset.
Criticizing the recently unveiled election manifesto of the Congress, PM Modi alleged its resemblance to the agenda of the Muslim League. “The Congress manifesto reeks of appeasement rather than a genuine electoral platform,” Modi alleged.
The Prime Minister also castigated AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, without explicitly naming him, for objecting to the BJP’s discussion of Article 370 during campaign rallies in states like Rajasthan.
“The position of Congress’s national president carries significant weight. Yet, one wonders why the leader deems Article 370 irrelevant to Rajasthan. Is Jammu and Kashmir not an integral part of our nation? Such sentiments betray a divisive mindset,” Modi asserted.
Highlighting the sacrifices of security personnel from across the country, including Rajasthan and Bihar, in the fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi questioned the failure of previous governments to fully implement Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision for the region.
“The INDIA bloc often extols the virtues of the Constitution. Yet, they must explain why they failed to uphold Babasaheb Ambedkar’s principles in Jammu and Kashmir. Why did it require a Modi to rectify this?” questioned the PM.
He claimed the alliance’s dissatisfaction stems from “Modi’s assurances” and asserted his administration’s achievements in a decade surpass those of the preceding six decades.
“I am committed to eradicating poverty from our nation. Recollect the state of the country prior to 2014—many were confined to makeshift dwellings or were homeless. Basic amenities like gas connections were inaccessible to the underprivileged, while middlemen profited from subsidized rations. I have personally endured poverty; as a son of the soil, I serve the downtrodden,” Modi emphasized, underscoring the unprecedented progress achieved during his tenure.
Campaigning for BJP candidate Vivek Thakur in Bihar, Modi expressed bewilderment at the Congress’s reluctance to acknowledge popular sentiments. “Despite the Ayodhya temple being funded by public donations rather than government funds, Congress leaders were conspicuously absent from its inauguration,” he remarked, alluding to the expulsion of party members who voiced support for the temple’s construction.
Modi also commended Nitish Kumar, the JD(U) president, and Sushil Kumar Modi, currently battling cancer and abstaining from election activities, for their efforts in transforming Bihar from a state plagued by lawlessness.
“In bygone days, our womenfolk hesitated to step out after dark,” Modi recalled, echoing Kumar’s assertions about the state of lawlessness under previous administrations.
The PM expressed optimism following Bihar CM’s prediction of a landslide victory for the NDA. “Despite favorable forecasts, I remain resolute. Born into poverty, I am driven by an unyielding commitment to uplift the downtrodden. The first decade of my governance merely scratches the surface; our nation’s true potential is yet to be realized,” Modi concluded.