New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and its leader Rahul Gandhi, while also decrying what he sees as an unwarranted campaign against the Election Commission. Addressing a gathering of party workers and supporters, Modi used the term "namdar" (dynast) to deride Rahul Gandhi and criticize the Congress's political approach, particularly in the wake of the recent Bihar Assembly election results.
Modi asserted that nationalist leaders within the Congress, who had previously worked alongside former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, are dismayed by the actions and political stunts of the "namdar". He suggested that these leaders are saddened by the current state of the party, implying a departure from its historical values and principles.
The Prime Minister's criticism extended to the Congress party's stance on various issues, including their questioning of the Election Commission's integrity. Modi stated that when the Congress criticizes the Election Commission and alleges "vote chori" (vote theft), it reveals their underlying mindset and disrespect for democratic institutions. He argued that such accusations undermine the public's faith in the electoral process and the country's democratic foundations.
Furthermore, Modi accused the Congress of running a negative campaign based on "frivolous claims" and attempting to divide society along caste and religious lines. He contrasted this with the NDA's focus on development and good governance, particularly highlighting the progress made in Bihar under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Modi congratulated the citizens of Bihar for choosing a government committed to "sushashan" (good governance).
The Prime Minister also took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi's remarks regarding the Chhath Puja festival, accusing the Congress of disrespecting Bihar's traditions and culture. He highlighted the NDA government's efforts to include Chhath Puja in the UNESCO World Heritage List, emphasizing the festival's significance in promoting devotion, equality, and social harmony. Modi contrasted this with what he characterized as the Congress's mockery of the women who fast and offer prayers during the festival, accusing them of prioritizing appeasement politics over respect for faith.
In a broader critique of the Congress party's trajectory, Modi asserted that it has become a "Muslim League-Maoist combination," implying a departure from its original ideology and a shift towards divisive and extremist elements. He argued that the Congress has repeatedly disrespected Bihar and its people, citing instances of Congress leaders in other states making disparaging remarks about Biharis.
The Prime Minister's remarks come in the wake of the NDA's victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, which he hailed as a rejection of "jungle raj" and a mandate for development. He credited the BJP workers for the victory and mocked Rahul Gandhi's allegations of electoral fraud, stating that the Bihar mandate was a strong endorsement of India's democratic system.
Modi also used the occasion to caution the Congress's allies, suggesting that the party is a "parasite" and a liability for them. He claimed that some "naamdars" within the Congress are dragging everyone down with them, further emphasizing his criticism of the party's leadership and direction.
