Chhattisgarh Polls: Adivasis Did Not Exist For Congress After Independence, Says PM Modi

Chhattisgarh Assembly Election 2023: PM Modi said human trafficking and drugs business were on rise as he attacked Congress over development of the Surguja region.

Playing the tribal card in Chhattisgarh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said Congress never bothered about Adivasis after independence. Addressing a rally in Bishrampur's Surajpur, PM Modi also alleged that Congress tried to stop Droupadi Murmu from becoming the first tribal President of India.

"After independence, Adivasis did not exist for the Congress party. Congress never bothered about you or your children whereas BJP has always prioritised the development of Adivasis...Did you ever imagine that a woman coming out of an 'Adivasi' family could become the President of our country?" PM Modi said.

Voting in the first phase of elections in Chhattisgarh is being held on Tuesday. The second phase of voting will take place on November 17 and results will be declared on December 3.

Continuing his tirade against the Congress on the issue of welfare for tribals, PM Modi said the adivasi population in the country was nearly 9-10 crore, but the grand old party never cared for them.

"When Congress was in power, they used to think that spending money on Adivasis was a waste. Poor and Adivasis could not become doctors because Congress made laws to benefit those who understood English," PM Modi further said. 

The tribal-dominated Surguja division of north Chhattisgarh has 14 constituencies. The region will have significant sway over the fortunes of the ruling Congress.

Attacking the ruling party over development of the Surguja region, PM Modi said human trafficking and business of drugs were on rise in this division of Chhattisgarh.

"Due to Congress policy of appeasement, it has become tough to celebrate festivals in Surguja region of Chhattisgarh," PM Modi said.

Raking up the Mahadev betting app case, which has gained limelight after BJP released a video of an accused claiming he paid Rs 508 crore to CM Bhupesh Baghel, PM Modi said Congress made youths place bets to fill its coffers.

"Congress did not even fulfil the dreams of the youth of Chhattisgarh. They even did a scam in the name of 'Mahadev'. 'Mahadev' betting scam is being discussed in the country and abroad today. Congress has made your children place bets to fill its coffers. Will you ever forgive them?" the Prime Minister said.

He also lashed out at the party for failing to contain Naxalism in Chhattisgarh. The remark comes hours after a CRPF commando was injured following an IED blast triggered by Naxalites in Sukma district.