In a scathing attack on the Congress party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused it of siding with Ajmal Kasab, one of the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, during a public gathering in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar on Tuesday. The Prime Minister's remarks came in response to a controversial statement made by Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar linking the killing of 26/11 martyr Hemant Karkare to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
PM Modi stated, "The tricks of the INDI-Aghadi are not working, and this frustration can be seen even across the border. This has activated Congress' B-Team across the border. Tweets from across the border are being done to boost morale of Congress, and in return, they are giving clean chit to Pakistan on terror attacks. Who was responsible for the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, and the deaths of our soldiers and people? The entire world, including Pakistan, knows the reality. Recently, a Maharashtra Congress leader gave a dangerous statement about the 26/11 attacks. The Congress is now siding with Ajmal Kasab."
This remark comes also in reference to former Pakistani minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain's praise of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. On X, Chaudhry posted on May 1 excerpts from a speech by Rahul Gandhi with the caption "Rahul on fire" that drew sharp criticism from BJP leaders.
In a subsequent comment, PM Modi reiterated his criticism, saying, "The Congress party's entire manifesto carries an imprint of the 'Muslim League'. You see for yourself the difference between issues and agenda of the NDA and Congress. Our focus is on development, welfare, security, safety and dignity of Bharat. On the other hand, Congress doesn't have anything even to discuss over these issues."
Lok Sabha Elections Battle Between 'Santushtikaran' And 'Tushtikaran': PM Modi In Maharashtra
The Prime Minister also took aim at the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, framing them as a battle between 'santushtikaran' (satisfaction) and 'tushtikaran' (appeasement). He emphasised the NDA's commitment to the welfare of the nation while accusing the I.N.D.I.A bloc of pandering to specific vote banks through appeasement tactics.
Moreover, PM Modi claimed the downfall of the Congress-led I.N.D.I.A bloc, stating, "June 4th will certainly be the 'expiry date' of INDI Alliance. This 'Bhanumati Ka Kunba' which has gathered together will shatter like a 'sand dune' on June 4th!"
The ongoing elections, particularly the third phase, reinforced the BJP-led NDA's support base, PM Modi remarked as voting across 92 constituencies is underway.