Maharashtra Election 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) during a rally in Chandrapur's Chimur, accusing the alliance of stalling Maharashtra’s progress. He labelled the MVA as the "Aghadi bhrashtachar ke sabse bade khiladi (Aghadi is biggest player of corruption)" and claimed the alliance had perfected the art of obstructing development.
“Maharashtra ka tez vikas Aghadi walo ki bas ki baat nahi hai. MVA ne keval kaamon par brake lagane mein PHD ki hai. Kaamo ko atkana, latkana aur bhatkana (Maharashtra's rapid development is beyond the capability of the MVA. They have done a PhD in stalling, hanging, and misdirecting development works),” said PM Modi, criticising the MVA for allegedly halting key projects.
He specifically targeted the Congress, accusing the party of being an expert in derailing progress. "These Congress leaders have done a double PhD in halting projects. Over the last 2.5 years, they have tried to obstruct every developmental work. The Aghadi leaders are the biggest players of corruption," he alleged, as quoted by news agency ANI.
Raising a pointed question to the audience, PM Modi asked, “Will you let them loot again? Will you give them a licence to loot, to fill their coffers, and stop the development of Maharashtra?”
He underscored the BJP's commitment to progress, highlighting how the people of Chandrapur were aware of the Mahayuti government's development speed. "Who knows better than the people of Chandrapur how fast the Mahayuti government works and how the Aghadi parties stop the work?" he said. PM Modi noted that despite longstanding demands for rail connectivity, previous governments led by the Congress and MVA failed to deliver.
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Maharashtra Election: PM Modi Calls BJP Manifesto 'Vikas Ki Guarantee', Refers To Supporter Turnout As 'Kesariya Sagar'
Congratulating Maharashtra BJP on its election manifesto, which he described as a "Vikas Ki Guarantee" (development guarantee) for the next five years, PM Modi listed promises aimed at benefiting farmers, women, and youth. He mentioned plans for an AI university, green water projects, improved digital connectivity, and expanded infrastructure.
"The manifesto has many impressive resolutions for our daughters, sisters, farmers, and youth. Whether it is the AI university, water pipelines, or new housing initiatives, it is packed with forward-looking ideas," he said. Emphasising the importance of a "double engine" government — the BJP-led administration in both Maharashtra and the Centre — PM Modi declared, "Double engine government means double speed of development. The people of Maharashtra have witnessed this over the last 2.5 years."
PM Modi also touted the state's achievements under BJP governance, noting record foreign investments, new airports, and expressways. "Around a dozen Vande Bharat trains operate here, over 100 stations are being renovated, and multiple railway routes are being expanded," he detailed.
Confident of electoral success, PM Modi pointed to the massive turnout at the rally as a sign of public support. "This crowd makes the election results clear. The people of Chimur and all of Maharashtra are saying a Mahayuti government will be formed with a huge majority," he asserted.
PM Modi concluded by expressing his admiration for the sea of supporters, remarking, "It feels like a 'Kesariya Sagar' (saffron sea) is rising." As the state gears up for the 288-seat Assembly elections on November 20, with counting on November 23, the contest between the Mahayuti and the MVA is set to intensify. The MVA includes Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray, and Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (SCP).