In Kandhamal, Odisha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing critique against Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar regarding his statement on Pakistan possessing nuclear capabilities, alleging the party’s penchant for instilling fear in the populace. Modi lambasted the notion of “These dead people” trying to undermine the nation’s spirit.
During an interview with ‘Chill Pill’ on April 15, Aiyar touted Pakistan’s nuclear prowess, advocating for bilateral talks between India and Pakistan. Speaking at a public gathering in Kandhamal, PM Modi derided Pakistan’s economic struggles, highlighting their desperation to offload their atomic arsenal due to its subpar quality.
“The Congress persistently resorts to fear-mongering, warning about Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal. These remnants of the past are not only undermining the nation’s morale but also attempting to spread dread,” asserted the Prime Minister.
He further mocked Pakistan’s economic woes, emphasizing their fruitless efforts to sell their atomic weapons due to their inferior quality. Modi also attributed Congress’s approach to the prolonged terrorism endured by the people of Jammu and Kashmir over six decades.
“The Congress’s stance has perpetuated terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir for sixty years, resulting in numerous attacks. They even engaged in dialogues with terrorist outfits, lacking the resolve to retaliate post the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The INDI alliance prioritized their vote bank over national security,” he remarked.
PM Modi expressed confidence in NDA’s electoral success, predicting over 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. “The nation has resolved to grant NDA a resounding victory, relegating Congress to a mere fraction of seats,” he declared.
Asserting BJP’s dominance in Odisha, Modi vowed to establish a robust government in the state. “Odisha will witness a transformative governance under BJP’s double-engine model,” he affirmed. Aiyar lamented India’s failure to engage with Pakistan in the past decade.
“Pakistan deserves recognition as a sovereign and esteemed nation. While adopting a stern stance is warranted, initiating dialogue is imperative. Clinging to hostility achieves naught. We must avert the catastrophic consequences of nuclear conflict,” urged Aiyar.
He cautioned against ignoring Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities, advocating for diplomatic engagement to dissuade hostile actions. The forthcoming elections in Odisha, spanning four phases from May 13 to June 1, with results announced on June 4, hold significant political implications.
In the 2019 Assembly polls, Biju Janata Dal secured 112 out of 146 seats, followed by BJP with 23 seats and Congress with 9. Similarly, in the Lok Sabha elections, BJD emerged victorious with 12 seats, while BJP and Congress lagged behind with 8 and 1 seat respectively.