In a rally in Akola, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized Congress, accusing the party of turning states it governs into “ATMs” for its leadership. Referring to Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, Modi claimed that Congress had exploited these states, particularly accusing the party of looting Rs 700 crore from liquor sellers in Karnataka. He warned that Maharashtra, too, would fall victim to such exploitation if Congress wins in the upcoming assembly elections. Modi further alleged that Congress thrives on division and conflict among various castes to strengthen itself politically. He also challenged Congress to prove their commitment to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy, asking if they had ever visited his significant sites, which he called “panchteerth.”
On the same day, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge responded to the BJP’s rhetoric, particularly targeting Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath’s slogan “batenge toh katenge” (if divided, we perish). Kharge highlighted that prominent Congress leaders like Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi had sacrificed their lives for India’s unity, suggesting that the BJP’s divisive tactics were counterproductive. He also questioned the BJP’s criticism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for carrying a red-covered copy of the Constitution, showing that PM Modi had gifted a similar copy to former President Ramnath Kovind.
Kharge also accused the BJP and RSS of using provocative rhetoric to stir divisive sentiments for electoral gains. He pointed out that key BJP leaders like Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis had failed to stop the shifting of major projects from Maharashtra to Gujarat, prioritizing their political interests over the state’s welfare. He expressed confidence that the MVA (Congress, Shiv Sena UBT, NCP) alliance would win in Vidarbha, an important region in Maharashtra that sends 62 MLAs to the state legislature.
In response to BJP allegations that Congress supports “urban Naxals,” Kharge defended his party, reiterating that Gandhi’s call to “save the Constitution” was not a crime. He emphasized that BJP leaders often misdirect attention from core issues by inciting false narratives.
