Pune: PM Modi Criticises Congress, Mahavikas Aghadi Over Article 370, Anti-National Ideas
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pune, 12 November 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a tour of Maharashtra for the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections, campaigning for Mahayuti candidates. As part of this tour, he visited Chandrapur and then Pune, where he addressed the public at the grounds of Sir Parashurambhau College (SP College). In his speech, PM Modi strongly targeted the Indian National Congress and Mahavikas Aghadi, accusing them of harbouring anti-national ideas and attempting to reinstate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. He also stated that Congress and Pakistan speak the same language.
At the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Union Minister of State and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale, Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale, along with all the candidates for the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from Pune and Satara districts, city presidents, key office-bearers, and others from Mahayuti, were present at the rally.
PM Modi began his speech in Marathi by paying homage to Shivaji and Sambhaji, expressing his deep reverence for them. He continued by praising the Ashtavinayaks and greeted the audience with a warm “Ladkya Bahinina and Ladkya Bhavana Namaskar,” addressing them as beloved brothers and sisters. Speaking in Marathi throughout his speech, he received a highly positive response from the audience. Modi also stated in Marathi, “BJP Mahayuti aahe tarach Maharashtrat Pragati Aahe,” which translates to “If there is BJP Mahayuti in Maharashtra, then only there is development.”
PM Modi highlighted how the people of Maharashtra are witnessing the consequences of Congress’s failed promises in Karnataka, where the party extorted money from the public to fulfil unkept commitments. He also made allegations that Congress is looting Karnataka, with the funds being funnelled into Maharashtra for election purposes. Modi criticised Congress for its betrayal, particularly in pushing to reinstate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, which had separated the region from India. The Modi government ended this provision, leading to the integration of Kashmir with the nation. Now Congress and its allies are echoing Pakistan’s calls for the return of Article 370, but the people of Maharashtra and India strongly reject this move.
Modi further taunted Congress and Mahavikas Aghadi, saying they “show books of the Constitution to the country while selling blank paper books in Maharashtra.” He further added, “They ruled the nation for six or seven decades. I asked them, Why wasn’t the Constitution made by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar implemented throughout the country? It wasn’t. You may be shocked to hear this, but this is the truth. In Jammu and Kashmir, there was a different constitution; India’s didn’t work there. But the BJP-led NDA government changed this.”
PM Modi emphasised the deep connection between Pune and BJP, appreciating the city’s trust in the Mahayuti government. He assured that this new government would accelerate Pune’s development with major investments in infrastructure, industry, and job creation. Modi highlighted record investments in sectors like IT, electronics, automobiles, and startups, benefiting local youth. He mentioned the ongoing Metro expansion and large funding for Pune’s outer ring road to boost connectivity. Modi also stressed BJP’s commitment to the middle class, citing tax cuts, healthcare schemes, housing subsidies, and education loans as steps to improve their lives and support their aspirations.
Ask Your ‘Yuvraj’ to Praise Savarkar, Balasaheb
PM Modi also highlighted how the BJP-led Mahayuti is working to preserve Maharashtra’s culture. However, he criticised Mahavikas Aghadi for disrespecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by praising Aurangzeb and for failing to acknowledge the contributions of Veer Savarkar and Balasaheb Thackeray. “I have challenged this Mahavikas Aghadi to obtain a praiseful speech on Veer Savarkar from their ‘Yuvraj.’ If they have the guts, let them bring praises for Balasaheb from their ‘Yuvraj,'” he said, indirectly referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
