DHULE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Maharashtra state assembly election campaign in Dhule, urging citizens not to elect the corrupt Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), who he alleged illegally formed the government and subsequently looted the state.
Modi highlighted his government’s commitment to Maharashtra’s progress and farmers' welfare, contrasting it with the alleged failures and corruption of the previous administration.
During the campaign, Modi announced an increase in financial assistance under the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, pledging to raise the support from Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000 per year starting next year.
Modi also noted that he would be addressing around 10 rallies across Maharashtra in this campaign compared to 18 during the last Lok Sabha elections in the state.
Addressing a rally in Nashik, Modi criticised Congress, claiming that it maintained dual constitutions—one for India and another for Jammu and Kashmir—before the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) implemented Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s constitution in the region by abrogating Article 370.
“Congress was unhappy with this decision, and its ally is now attempting to reintroduce Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir through the state assembly,” Modi alleged, adding, “We will never allow this to happen, but Congress is aligning with its allies in power.”
He further accused Congress of wanting to revoke the reservations provided to the underprivileged and the needy, asserting that the BJP is committed to maintaining these benefits.
"For India to grow, Maharashtra plays a crucial role. Without Maharashtra, the Indian growth story would be incomplete. Our government has been dedicated to bringing major projects to Maharashtra, which were previously blocked by the MVA government. They focused only on power and looting the people," he stated.
Modi praised the current government under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, describing it as one that prioritises people and development. He noted that Maharashtra has seen significant progress and the restoration of its former glory under Shinde’s leadership. "The previous MVA government obstructed projects that could have generated jobs and brought heavy investment. In contrast, our MahaYuti government is a ‘development-oriented government,’ working tirelessly for the state's growth," Modi said.
Continuing his attack on Congress, Modi accused the party of attempting to create division among OBC communities to weaken their unity. "Congress's clear strategy is to create rifts among OBCs, hoping it will pave their way to power. Here in Nashik, there are numerous OBC castes, and Congress wants them to fight among themselves. Congress has entered the field to destroy you because it is troubled by your unity and strength,” he said.
Modi further claimed that Congress cannot tolerate an OBC individual as the Prime Minister, saying, "An OBC has become Prime Minister for the third time, and Congress can't come to terms with this. Congress has lost its sleep and is venting its anger on the OBCs... The MVA is also against the Ladki Bahan Yojana and even approached the court to stop this scheme," he remarked.
Modi closed his speech by reminding Maharashtra voters of their consistent support for the BJP, urging them to continue backing a government committed to their welfare and the state's growth
