Pune: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a rally in Pune ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections on November 20, criticized the Congress party for advocating the reinstatement of Article 370, calling it akin to “speaking the language of Pakistan.” Modi affirmed that Article 370, which previously granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, has been “buried deep in the ground” by his administration, and he asserted that no one could restore it.
Modi argued that Article 370’s removal has unified Kashmir with the rest of India and diminished terrorism and separatist activities in the region. He emphasized that the Congress had ruled India for decades but had failed to apply the Indian Constitution fully across the country due to the constraints of Article 370. He contrasted this with the BJP’s actions, which he claims have brought peace and stability to Kashmir by fully integrating it under India’s tricolor flag.
Shifting focus to Congress’s governance, Modi alleged corruption and unfulfilled promises in Karnataka, accusing the party of extortion and failing to deliver on electoral promises.
He linked these allegations to Congress’s ongoing campaign in Maharashtra, suggesting they are diverting funds from Karnataka to Maharashtra for election purposes.
On the Maharashtra elections, Modi expressed confidence in the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, claiming its track record in the state has spurred unprecedented development. He contrasted this with the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi government, which, according to him, primarily focused on stalling development projects initiated by the BJP.
Modi concluded by appealing to voters to reject Congress and embrace the BJP-led alliance to ensure Maharashtra’s continued progress.
