Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a public meeting for Lok Sabha elections, in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, on May 13, 2024. | Photo Credit: PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 13 lashed out at the Opposition INDIA bloc, calling its leaders “cowards” who were “scared of Pakistan’s nuclear power”.
Addressing three back-to-back rallies in Bihar’s Hajipur, Muzaffarpur and Saran Lok Sabha constituencies, PM Modi made an apparent reference to a recent statement of National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, without mentioning him by name.
“The INDIA bloc seems to have leaders who are scared of Pakistan and have nightmares of its nuclear power,” he said.
The remarks come in the backdrop of comments by Mr. Abdullah about Pakistan having atom bombs and not wearing bangles.
“If Pakistan does not wear bangles, we will make the country wear these. I knew they did not have foodgrains. Now, I come to know they do not even have adequate supply of bangles,” the PM said.
“But, we must look carefully at the Opposition which seems to be full of cowards and timid people, who give a clean chit to Pakistan on terrorism, raise doubts on surgical strikes… their Left allies even want our nuclear arsenal to be dismantled,” he said.
PM Modi maintained that the INDIA bloc had worked out a formula, which would allow five of its leaders, if the coalition came to power, to enjoy a year of premiership each.
“Just imagine what type of a mess we would get to see if the bloc’s plan to have a different PM, every year, for five years, succeeds. However, they are a motley group that is bound to fail,” he said.
“The current elections are for having a government that will give a further boost to the standing and clout enjoyed by the country,” the PM said.
The Prime Minister also said the money recovered in raids against politicians “belonged to the country’s poor”.
“I will tell you why they are crying hoarse against the action of agencies like the ED. During the previous Congress regime, the ED seized only ₹35 lakh, which could be contained in a school bag. Ever since we took over, the agency has recovered ₹2,200 crore, which would require 70 small trucks to be carried,” said PM Modi.
The Prime Minister said unlike his opponents, who were concerned about promoting their offspring, “I have no ‘waaris’ (successor). The common people are my waaris”.
He reiterated the charge that parties like the Congress and RJD will “give away reservations” to Muslims “to pursue their vote bank politics”, but added that “as long as I am alive, I will not let this happen”.
“Kidnapping and extortion flourished during the RJD rule in Bihar… NDA fights for social justice, 60% Union ministers from OBC/SC/ST categories,” he asserted.
“It has been several days since I challenged the Congress-led Opposition to give it in writing that it will not give reservations on religious lines. They are yet to respond,” PM Modi said.
The PM also alleged that the Opposition had plans to impose “inheritance tax” but “Modi would stand like a wall in their way, thwarting attempts to rob people of their wealth”.
He accused the Opposition parties of “deliberately hurting people’s sentiments by making obnoxious statements about the Ram temple in Ayodhya”.
Targeting RJD leaders Lalu Prasad and his son and heir apparent Tejashwi Yadav, mentioning neither by name, PM Modi referred to the fodder scam, the “land for jobs scam” and “attempts to take credit for work done by our ally (Chief Minister and JD(U) president) Nitish Kumar”.
Speaking on a day when the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections were underway, he urged the people to turn out in large numbers and vote for the NDA to enable formation of a strong government.
In his speech, PM Modi also touched upon his government’s track record on development, citing construction of highways at a rapid rate and underscoring commitment to social justice and empowerment, while accusing the Opposition of trying to put hurdles in the way of measures like women’s reservations.
