Ahead of the Maharashtra assembly election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong statement against Congress during a rally in Akola, accusing the party of exploiting states under its rule. Modi alleged that Congress uses these states as financial resources, claiming, “Wherever a Congress government is formed, that state becomes the ATM of the party’s ‘shahi parivar’ (royal family).” He asserted that his administration would prevent Maharashtra from being used this way.
Modi also brought attention to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy, challenging Congress’s commitment to honoring the leader. Referring to Ambedkar’s “panchteerth”—his significant life locations—Modi questioned whether Congress leaders had ever visited these sites, which include Mhow (Ambedkar’s birthplace), his London residence, Deeksha Bhoomi in Nagpur (where he embraced Buddhism), Mahaparinirvan Sthal in Delhi, and Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai.
Emphasizing unity as a counter to Congress’s “divisive tactics,” Modi cited Haryana as an example, where people rejected divisiveness by adopting the mantra “Ek hain toh safe hain” (we are safe if we are united). He accused Congress of policies that “pit one caste against another,” claiming the party’s strategy involves creating divisions to weaken the country.
Modi didn’t hold back in criticizing the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra, calling it a symbol of “corruption and scams of thousands of crores.” He also highlighted his government’s achievements, such as providing four crore pucca (solid) houses to poor families across India.
Appealing to Maharashtra voters, Modi expressed gratitude for their ongoing support of the BJP, attributing this loyalty to the state’s “patriotism, political understanding, and vision.” He sought support for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in the upcoming election and highlighted the significance of November 9, which marks both his rally and the Supreme Court’s 2019 Ram Temple verdict anniversary. He noted that on this day, “people of every religion showed great sensitivity,” referencing the peaceful reaction to the historic verdict.
