New Delhi: Calling out the Opposition alliance over its claim that the country's democracy and Constitution might be “in danger” if he is elected to office for a third term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday questioned if the Constitution was not in danger during the Emergency.
Addressing a rally ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra’s Ramtek, PM Modi said, “The leaders in the I.N.D.I alliance are spreading falsehoods that if Modi comes to power for a third time, then our country’s democracy and Constitution will be in danger. Since I came into office for the first time in 2014, not one election went where the Opposition leaders did not make such claims. Was democracy not in danger during the Emergency? It was only after someone from among you rose to become the country’s Prime Minister did they start seeing the democracy in danger. The leaders in the alliance are trying to split the people on lines of caste and religion, as they know if they stick together, their politics will be in danger.”
Getting back at the Opposition leaders for hurling personal insults at him ahead of the elections, PM Modi said even the surveys are saying that the NDA is headed for a landslide win.
“Even the surveys are showing that the NDA is on course to register a thumping victory. When Modi is roundly abused by the Opposition, you should know that 'Abh ki baar 400 paar' (beyond 400 seats this time). When they start abusing my late mother and father, know that its 'Abh ki baar 400 paar'. When they start raising questions on the integrity of the EVMs, know that it’s 'Abh ki baar 400 paar',” PM Modi said.
In a fiery retort to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his “Shakti” remark, PM Modi said, "They want to finish off Hindu Dharma's 'Shakti'. Will you let this alliance win even a single seat in Maharashtra? BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP (Ajit Pawar) have come to you for your support. Every single vote from you will not just ensure victory for our candidates but also punishment for the Opposition.”