Modi accuses Congress of ‘divisive politics’: ‘They cannot accept an OBC prime minister’

Modi stated that the Congress thrives on division among Dalits, Adivasis, and backward classes for its political gains, adding that the Congress has been losing its support base over the years due to unity among these communities. His remarks were made as part of his campaign for the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections and the Nanded Lok Sabha by-election.

“It suits the Congress’ politics if Dalits, Adivasis, and Backward Classes are divided. It is a game plan is to divide you into different groups and communities,” Modi said. “Congress party wants to divide the OBC communities into small castes and snatch the power of their unity… If it happens, Congress will snatch the reservation,” he added.

PM Modi further said that the Congress party has been at the forefront of these divisive tactics for decades. He alleged that leaders from Jawaharlal Nehru to Rajiv Gandhi divided people along caste lines and deprived them of their reservation rights.

Modi also said that there has been growing support for the ‘Mahayuti’ alliance of the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, adding that the alliance is united in its vision for a “Viksit Bharat.” Referring to BJP’s Pratap Chikhlikar’s defeat by Congress’ Vasant Chavan, Modi said, “The BJP and its allies are chosen by the people again and again. In the Lok Sabha elections, Nanded did not vote for us. I hope you will bless me now.”

The Prime Minister also spoke about the BJP’s historic win in the Haryana elections, adding that the people of Maharashtra were set to repeat history in the upcoming elections. “Today, there is only one slogan on everyone’s lips: BJP-Mahayuti ahe, tar gati ahe. Maharashtraachi pragati ahe (Only BJP-Mahayuti will ensure Maharashtra’s speedy progress,” he added, as quoted by news agency PTI.

Modi also criticized Congress, alleging it was the root cause of farmers’ issues in Marathwada. However, under BJP and its allies, several steps were taken to address water scarcity and drought in the region, he added. He stressed that farmers’ welfare remains a top priority, with various welfare schemes benefiting them. He that in the last two years, Marathwada received Rs 80,000 crore in investment. “In the last two years, Rs 80,000 crore-worth investment has come to Marathwada alone,” Modi said.

Slamming the Congress, PM Modi accused its members of “showing a red book labelled ‘Constitution of India’ with blank pages inside.” He alleged that Congress governments were involved in multiple scams and said they had now “crossed all limits” by distributing copies of the Constitution “with not a word of Dr Ambedkar’s Constitution inside.” He said, “The red book is blank with not a word of Ambedkar’s Constitution inside. It is an example of how much they hate Ambedkar.”

Modi further questioned why Congress was so supportive of Article 370, referring to the opposition party’s demand to restore the provision in Jammu and Kashmir. He asked, “Why are Congress leaders so in love with Article 370?”

The by-election for the Nanded Lok Sabha seat was necessitated by the death of Congress MP Vasant Chavan. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and BJP Rajya Sabha member Ashok Chavan also attended the rally.

Nana Patole hits back at PM Modi, denies accusations of Congress dividing Dalits and Backward Classes

Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole on Saturday accused PM Modi of using “divisive language” in his campaign speeches ahead of the assembly elections. Patole’s comments came after the PM addressed rallies in Dhule, Nashik, Akola, and Nanded, where he alleged the Congress was working to divide Dalits, tribals, and backward classes to regain power.

Patole rejected the prime minister’s accusations, saying that Maharashtra is a state that “honors the legacy of social reformers like Mahatma Phule and warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.” He said, “Slogans like ‘ek hai to safe hai‘ foster division among people rather than addressing their issues. Maharashtra will not tolerate such divisive language. The PM should offer solutions to farmers in distress instead,” Patole said.

He slammed Union Home Minister Amit Shah for “historical misrepresentation” after Shah linked Ramdas to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Patole also said that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputies, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, were misleading people with schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana.

Maharashtra assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, while votes will be counted on November 23.

— with PTI inputs