Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lauded the BJP-led alliance’s sweeping victory in Maharashtra as a testament to development, good governance, and social justice. Addressing party workers, he criticized the Congress for spreading “lies and deceit” and accused the Gandhi family of sowing the “poison of casteism and divisiveness.”
“Maharashtra has chosen stability, development, and progress. Lies, deceit, and divisive forces have suffered a crushing defeat,” Modi said, highlighting the historic nature of the BJP’s win in the state.
The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a decisive mandate in Maharashtra, breaking records to win a third consecutive term in the state. Modi called this a “historic stamp of approval” on the BJP’s governance model and a rejection of opposition politics centered on negativity and nepotism.
Criticism of Congress’ governance model
The prime minister accused the Congress of betraying the secular principles of the Constitution through its policies of appeasement, citing the Waqf Act as an example. “The Congress has tried to inflict capital punishment on true secularism. The Waqf law has no place in the Constitution,” he asserted.
Modi also took a swipe at the Congress’ dynastic politics, stating, “A family’s hunger for power has devoured the party itself. Their casteist agenda and obsession with power are evident, and the people have rejected them outright.”
Rejection of divisive politics
The prime minister underscored that Maharashtra’s results reflect the nation’s evolving mindset. “The people now prioritize development and stability. The Congress and its allies, with their agenda of lies and division, have been rejected.”
He accused opposition leaders of attempting to create instability in Maharashtra by forming an alliance with Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena faction, only to face the people’s resounding disapproval.
“The Congress allied with Uddhav Thackeray but failed to honor the legacy of his father, Bal Thackeray, a stalwart of Hindutva. Betrayal and instability have no place in Maharashtra’s politics,” Modi said.
Urban development and vision for cities
With an eye on urban voters, Modi highlighted the BJP’s emphasis on modernizing cities through initiatives such as metro expansions, electric buses, and improved highways.
“Urban India trusts the BJP for ease of living. Cities are engines of development, and their progress strengthens villages. The urban regions’ support for the BJP underscores the demand for a modern India,” he said.
“One Constitution, One Nation”
Modi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to upholding the Constitution, saying, “Only one Constitution will work in India, as envisioned by B.R. Ambedkar. The Congress’ attempts to create walls of division, such as with Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, will not succeed. No force in the world can bring back Article 370.”
Focus on Vikas aur Virasat
The prime minister concluded with a promise to advance India with the mantra of “Vikas aur Virasat” (Development and Heritage). He said the BJP has respected the country’s values and traditions while striving for progress.
“The people of Maharashtra and India have chosen a path of development and unity, rejecting the divisive and regressive politics of the Congress and its allies,” he declared.
With the BJP-led alliance securing strong mandates across multiple states, the results serve as a boost for the NDA ahead of the 2024 general elections.
