Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in response to 'inflammatory' remarks by Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut and Congress party members, condemned their efforts as attempts to manipulate public sentiment for electoral gains.
"This duplicate Shiv Sena is talking about burying me alive. And, Congress says Modi will be sent to his grave, PM Modi said calling out his detractors for their use of derogatory language.
The Prime Minister further criticized the Shiv Sena and Congress for their associations with individuals facing serious criminal charges, alleging that they are exploiting such connections for political purposes. "In Maharashtra, this duplicate Shiv Sena is taking the bomb blasts accused with them for campaigning. The one jailed in the fodder scam in Bihar is being carried by some on their shoulders," PM Modi stated speaking at a public rally in Nandurbar, Maharashtra.
Asserting the strength derived from the support of the mothers gathered at the rally, PM Modi said, "This mother power is my Raksha Kavach. Due to their blessings, these people can't bury me."
The BJP, on May 9, wrote a letter to both the Election Commission and the Mumbai police, urging them to take action against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut for his alleged remarks regarding burying Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Maharashtra, just like Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The Maharashtra unit of the BJP contended that such statements represent a "direct threat" to the Prime Minister's life.
"Raut in his public rally in Ahmednagar had threatened to bury Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Maharashtra. He also tried drawing a parallel between Modi and Aurangzeb. Such comments potentially lead to communal disharmony and affect the peaceful process of election campaign," the BJP said in its complaint letter to the EC." His comments are a direct threat to the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. EC officials should take appropriate action against Raut and ensure such comments are not repeated in future," the BJP's complaint claimed.
During a rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the "duplicate NCP and Shiv Sena" have already decided to unite with the Congress following the Lok Sabha election results on June 4. He suggested that instead, they should consider aligning with Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde.
"A big leader here who is active for 40-50 years is worried after polling in Baramati (Lok Sabha seat). He says that after June 4, smaller parties, in order to survive, will merge with the Congress," PM Modi said, without naming Sharad Pawar.
"This means the nakli NCP and nakli Shiv Sena have made up their minds to merge with the Congress," Modi said, addressing an election rally in Nandurbar district of north Maharashtra.
"But instead of dying by merging with the Congress, come to Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde," the PM added.
Also, PM Modi accused the Congress of plotting to undermine the Hindu faith. "The guru of Congress' shehzada has told the US that Ram temple and Ram Navmi festivities are against the idea of India," he added.
Providing quota benefits on the basis of religion is against the very values and principles enshrined in our Constitution, he said.
"As long as Modi is alive, I will not let reservations of Dalits, adivasis, OBCs to be given to Muslims on basis of religion," he said.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.