PM Modi's 'challenge' for Rahul Gandhi, MVA in first Maharashtra rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, in Nashik, Maharashtra, Friday (PTI Photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday dared Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to praise Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray in public.

Addressing his first rally in Maharashtra for the November 20 assembly elections, PM Modi asked the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) to convince Rahul to speak something in favour of Savarkar. MVA comprises Congress, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP).

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“Let the Congress or its yuvraj (referring to Rahul Gandhi) praise Veer Savarkar during their rallies ... Rahul Gandhi will not be able to do it. Let the MVA allies try to make the Congress and Gandhi praise Veer Savarkar’s sacrifice and his days in the Kala Pani (Cellular Jail as it was known in British India),” he said.

Speaking at a rally in Nashik, PM Modi said that Congress has always insulted Savarkar and never allowed the Marathi language to get the status of an elite language.

He added that some MVA leaders have asked Gandhi to stop abusing Savarkar till the elections are over.

The Prime Minister was indirectly referring to Uddhav, who has been facing criticism from BJP for joining hands with Congress and betraying the legacy of Bal Thackeray.

The Prime Minister also targeted Uddhav for aligning with Congress, a party that "neither respects Savarkar nor Balasaheb."

“Today is November 8. I have given the challenge. I will count the days now. Let the MVA allies make the Congress leaders or their yuvraj speak for 15 minutes in praise of Savarkar,” he said.

He added that Savarkar was an inspiration for the BJP but the Congress in Maharashtra only abused him.

He said that MVA in Maharashtra is a vehicle that has neither wheels nor brakes, and there is a fight there to sit on the driver's seat.

Assembly elections will be held in Maharashtra in a single phase on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on November 23.

(With inputs from agencies)