Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress party for advocating a caste census and accused them of attempting to divide Hindus. He questioned whether the party wants to limit the rights of Muslims by basing resource distribution on population. PM Modi emphasized that for him, the priority should be given to the poor, regardless of their caste or community. He also accused the Congress of exploiting caste divisions for political gain.
These statements came after the release of a caste survey by the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar, which revealed that Other Backward Classes and Economically Backward Classes make up 63% of the state’s population. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who is a member of the ruling bloc in Bihar, welcomed the survey and called for a caste census to ensure proportional rights for different communities.
Addressing a rally in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, PM Modi alleged that the Congress had entered into a secret pact with a foreign country and was speaking against India. He urged people to remain vigilant, claiming that the party was being controlled by forces with anti-national interests.
Referring to a statement by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2006, where he advocated for minorities, particularly Muslims, to have the first claim on resources, PM Modi questioned whether the Congress now wanted to curtail the rights of Muslims by basing resource allocation on population. He asked who would have the first claim if rights were divided based on population and whether Hindus, as the majority, would claim all the rights.
PM Modi accused the Congress of trying to destroy India by dividing Hindus and the poor. He alleged that the party, which has a track record of corruption, takes pleasure in speaking against the country. In contrast, he emphasized that the welfare of the poor is his primary concern.
The Prime Minister also criticized the Congress government in Chhattisgarh, accusing them of corruption and mishandling of the state’s development. He vowed to prevent the Congress from taking control of the Nagarnar steel plant in Jagdalpur, alleging that the party was spreading lies to usurp the plant.
The Congress observed a ‘Bastar bandh’ in protest against the alleged privatization plans for the Nagarnar steel plant. PM Modi criticized the absence of the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and his ministers at the unveiling and foundation stone laying function for development projects, claiming that it demonstrated their lack of concern for the state’s welfare.
In conclusion, PM Modi accused the Congress of converting democracy into corruption and dynasty. He promised to address irregularities in recruitments by the state public service commission if the BJP came to power after the upcoming elections. The Prime Minister highlighted the positive changes in India since 2014 and emphasized the importance for first-time voters to be aware of the country’s progress.