With eye on the Assembly elections set to take place later this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Opposition, saying that a Congress-led government could potentially revert Madhya Pradesh to the "BIMARU" state it once was. Addressing a gathering of BJP workers at the "Karyakarta Mahakumbh" in Bhopal, PM Modi urged the electorate to choose development over regression, likening Congress to "rusted iron" that cannot fathom the future and lacks the capability to understand national ambition. BIMARU is an acronym for Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, a grouping of states that have historically lagged in economic and social indicators. In his address, PM Modi underscored the pivotal role of the upcoming elections in the trajectory of MP's development. He stressed that the path of progress laid by the BJP could only be sustained if the party remained in power. Drawing attention to instances in states like Maharashtra and Rajasthan, where he cited poor governance under Congress, he emphasised the need for a continuation of BJP's developmental initiatives. "Now is the time to make MP developed. If Congress comes to power, a party with a history of corruption, this crucial time will be wasted. Wherever Congress has gone, they have destroyed the states. MP needs to be saved; we can't see the state getting looted," PM Modi said. He also criticised the party for consistently opposing development-related projects, including those in the digital services sector. He asserted that MP held a crucial place in the national vision and highlighted the BJP's two-decade-long rule in the state. This extended period of governance, he noted, had resulted in significant positive changes, unlike the tumultuous era under Congress, marked by corruption and ill-conceived policies. Modi also underscored the stark contrast between the two parties, explaining, "Lucky are those who have not witnessed the rule of Congress, which was characterized by corruption and bad policies. After Independence, Congress ruled for a long time and turned MP into 'BIMARU'." He further pointed out the dismal state of law and order and damaged infrastructure during Congress's tenure. The Prime Minister declared that every BJP victory had been instrumental in catapulting the state to new heights with fresh energy and unwavering commitment to development. The 'Karyakarta Mahakumbh' event has been organized on the birth anniversary of Jana Sangh co-founder Deendayal Upadhyaya. According to state BJP president V D Sharma, around 10 lakh party workers have gathered at Bhopal’s Jamboree Maidan where Modi will deliver an address on the party’s “mantra of victory” for the coming Assembly elections. The BJP rolled out five yatras earlier this month to cover more than 10,000 km. Monday’s visit will be Modi’s third to the state in the past 45 days, indicating the BJP’s attempt to retain power in the state by leveraging the PM’s popularity.
