Chimur, Maharashtra: In a sharp attack on the Congress party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused its leadership, whom he referred to as the “shahi parivar” (royal family), of harboring a mentality that they were “born to rule India.” Modi’s comments came as he addressed a rally in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district while campaigning in the poll-bound states of Maharashtra and Jharkhand.
Modi criticized the Congress for what he described as a history of caste-based politics that, he claims, has systematically held back marginalized communities since India’s Independence. “This is the reason that after Independence, the Congress never allowed Dalits, backward classes, and Adivasis to progress,” he asserted, quoted by PTI. He argued that Congress’s approach had historically opposed the rise of these communities, an accusation that he reinforced by referencing past party advertisements.
The Prime Minister highlighted a resurfaced Congress advertisement from the 1980s, issued during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure, that questioned the allocation of special rights for Dalits, backward classes, and Adivasis. “Congress has always shown discomfort when discussing reservations,” Modi stated, pointing to the ad as evidence of Congress’s long-standing opposition to affirmative policies. The advertisement has recently been shared on social media, sparking debates on the Congress party’s historical stance on reservations.
Modi warned of what he termed a “perilous game” by Congress, suggesting that their policies are designed to fragment communities along caste lines. “The Congress is playing a perilous game by attempting to sow divisions among you. If tribal communities fracture into castes, they will lose their identity and strength,” he cautioned. He further emphasized the importance of unity among these communities, saying, “If we remain united, our safety is ensured. But if unity falters, Congress will undermine your reservation rights.”
In his appeal to voters, Modi reiterated that under his government, efforts are being made to protect and uplift marginalized communities, urging people not to fall for what he described as divisive tactics by the Congress party.
PM Modi’s comments highlight the broader election strategy of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as it seeks to consolidate support among Dalits, Adivasis, and other backward communities in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. The Prime Minister’s remarks also reflect the increasing focus on reservation policies as a central theme in the upcoming elections.