New Delhi: After the landslide victory in Maharashtra Assembly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed BJP workers. The PM reached the BJP headquarters in Delhi on Saturday evening, where the party workers gave him a grand welcome. PM Modi gave a speech for about an hour. In his speech, PM filled the enthusiasm among the workers regarding Maharashtra elections as well as Jharkhand and by-elections. During this, he also fiercely targeted Congress. PM cornered Congress by mentioning Waqf Board, familyism and Article 370. Know what the Prime Minister said about Congress.
‘Family priority for Congress’
Taking aim at the Congress, the Prime Minister said that today the priority of the Congress Party is only the family, not the people of the country and a party which does not have the public as its priority is very harmful for democracy. He said, ‘In their hunger for power, the Congress family has shattered the spirit of secularism of the Constitution. The makers of our Constitution had chosen the path of secularism while living the Hindu values and traditions even amidst the horrors of Partition at that time (1947). But the Congress family destroyed that great tradition in the name of false secularism. The seed of appeasement sown by Congress is a huge betrayal of the makers of the Constitution.
Congress targeted over urban Naxalism
PM Modi targeted Congress by mentioning urban Naxalism in his speech. He said that today the urban Naxalism of Congress has become a new challenge in front of India. The remote control of these urban Naxalites is outside the country and hence everyone has to be very careful about Urban Naxalism.
‘No power in the world can bring back Article 370’
The Prime Minister said that the people of the country have understood the betrayal of the Congress. But still their pride is not being broken. He said that Congress and its allies in Jammu and Kashmir are talking about bringing back Article 370. But I also tell the Congressmen and their colleagues to listen with open ears… Now no power in the world can bring back Article 370.
Congress handed over properties to Waqf
PM Modi also mentioned Waqf Board in his speech. He said that Waqf Board has no place in the Constitution. He said that Congress handed over the country’s properties to Waqf. He said that now only one Constitution will prevail in the entire country…that Constitution is the Constitution of Baba Saheb Ambedkar, the Constitution of India. Whoever talks about two constitutions in the country in front or behind the scenes… the country will completely reject him.
‘Congress sinks the boats of even its own allies’
Modi said that Congress has now become a parasitic party. Congress sinks not only its own boat but also that of its allies. Today we have seen the same in Maharashtra. Indie people are not able to understand the changed mood of the country. The voters of the country are with the feeling of ‘Nation First’. The voters of the country do not like those who dream of ‘chair first’.
What are the key implications of PM Modi’s speech for the Congress party’s strategy in upcoming elections?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Political Analyst Dr. Anjali Sharma
Time.news Editor: Good evening, Dr. Sharma, and thank you for joining us today. Following Prime Minister Modi’s recent address to BJP workers after their success in Maharashtra, there’s a lot to unpack. He made some significant claims about the Congress party. What do you think was the underlying message of his speech?
Dr. Anjali Sharma: Good evening! It’s a pleasure to be here. PM Modi’s speech was quite strategic. He aimed to consolidate his party’s victory while simultaneously challenging the Congress party’s relevance. By calling out Congress for prioritizing family over the nation, he wants to paint them as out of touch with the electorate’s needs. It’s about reinforcing the narrative that the BJP stands for the people, while Congress is mired in self-interest.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, he made some strong allegations. For instance, he claimed that Congress has destroyed the spirit of secularism established by the Constitution. How do you interpret that statement in terms of its impact on the political discourse?
Dr. Anjali Sharma: That statement does two things: it seeks to rally Hindu nationalist sentiments while casting Congress in a negative light. Modi’s reference to secularism, particularly in the context of “false secularism,” may resonate with certain voters who feel that Congress’s approach has led to appeasement politics. It’s a way of presenting BJP as the true guardian of Indian democracy and secular values.
Time.news Editor: One contentious point he raised was about “urban Naxalism.” How do you assess this mention, particularly in relation to current socio-political dynamics?
Dr. Anjali Sharma: The term “urban Naxalism” has been a controversial label used to frame dissent and protest activities in urban spaces as a threat to national security. By doing this, Modi is tapping into fears surrounding internal security while attempting to depict the Congress party as associated with that unrest. This is a strategic move as it shifts focus from economic issues to security concerns, which can often evoke stronger emotional responses from the electorate.
Time.news Editor: Considering the context of upcoming elections in Jharkhand and by-elections, what do you think the implications are of Modi’s rhetoric for the BJP?
Dr. Anjali Sharma: Modi’s rhetoric is likely aimed at building momentum for those elections. By painting the Congress in a negative light, he is trying to create a clear distinction between the two parties. Additionally, by reinforcing the BJP’s message of development and national integrity, he is positioning the party as the favorable option for voters who value these attributes. The challenge will be convincing voters to disconnect from state-level issues and focus on the broader national narrative he presents.
Time.news Editor: Last but not least, what advice would you give to Congress in response to Modi’s assertions and claims? What strategies should they consider in their rebuttal?
Dr. Anjali Sharma: Congress needs to firmly counter Modi’s narrative by addressing the core issues he raises. They should present their vision for secularism that doesn’t alienate any particular community and talk about inclusivity and development. Effective communication about their past achievements and a clear agenda for the future can help regain public trust. Additionally, they ought to engage younger voters through digital platforms, ensuring their voice resonates with the changing political landscape.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sharma, for your insights. It certainly seems that the political landscape is ever-evolving, and the upcoming elections will be interesting to watch.
Dr. Anjali Sharma: Thank you for having me! It’s my pleasure to discuss these important topics, and indeed, the next few months will be crucial for Indian democracy.