In a match of equals, BJP MP Poonam Mahajan said on Saturday that the driving force behind the BJP’s growth trajectory across the country and its electoral win one after another was its commitment to “delivering people what they want”, a claim that Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi countered saying the BJP isn’t the first or the only party to have been elected for two straight terms at the Centre.
Poonam Mahajan On ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’
Addressing a joint session, titled 'Left, Right or Centre: Where Is India Headed?’, on the closing day of ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ summit, Poonam Mahajan, expanding on the BJP’s deliverables over the course of its last two terms at the Centre said, “BJP are delivering to people what they want and what we promised we would. In a way, we are delivering the idea of India. People across the far corners of the country are deriving the benefits of ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’. We lifted 25 crore people out of poverty, opened bank accounts for 50 crore people, gave hundreds of crores to farmers under ‘PM Kisan Samman Nidhi’ while ensuring that they remain in good health through ‘Ayushman’ cards. We gave them safety, security and stability. The opening of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya marked a triumph of our aastha (religious sensibilities). In the coming days, you will see more and more people buying into Modi Ki Guarantee.”
‘BJP Not First To Have Won Two Straight Terms’
At this, the MP from Sena’s Uddhav faction, who was formerly with the Congress, countered saying, “The BJP is neither the first nor the only party to have won two straight terms at the Centre. We have seen popular leaders being decimated electorally before. Even Indira Gandhi lost badly.”
Priyanka Chaturvedi Lashes Out At Centre
Further contesting the BJP MP’s assertion of progress towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’, Chaturvedi poked holes in the claims of the Modi government, saying, “I see an India where farmers massing at Delhi’s borders are being tear-gassed and lathi-charged. One of the protesting farmers even lost his life during the police crackdown.”
Invoking the cancellation of the police recruitment exam, which was cancelled by the Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh in the face of Opposition outcry over an alleged paper leak, the Sena (UBT) MP said, “I also see an India where a public exam is cancelled because of a paper.”
Taking a swipe at the Centre over the protracted protest by women wrestlers against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, whom they accused of sexual harassment, she added, “I see an India where some of our most distinguished and celebrated sportspersons are out on the streets crying for justice and facing police batons in the bargain. I also see price rise, dwindling income and lack of jobs. With a whole lot of issues and concerns staring at us, I am not gung-ho about a third term for PM Modi.”
‘Indira Lost Badly Because She Endangered Democracy’
Hitting back at the Sena (UBT) leader, Poonam said, “Indira was decimated because she had endangered our democracy (veiled reference to Emergency). Atal-ji (former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee) lost only by a few votes (referring to the BJP-NDA government under Vajpayee in 1996, which fell after losing a trust vote in the Lok Sabha). Modi-ji has the blessings of the people as well their affection and support. It is the affection and support for our leader that will carry us to a third, straight term at the Centre.”
“We are a complex country and there are challenges to navigate. Talking about inflation, it was in double digits in the Congress years. We have brought it down to a single digit and are working to reduce it further. We also brought and passed a Bill to curb exam paper leaks,” Mahajan added.
ED, CBI Extended Arms Of BJP, Says Priyanka Chaturvedi
Taking a further dig at the Centre over raids by central agencies on Opposition leaders, Chaturvedi said, “The ED, CBI and Income Tax have become extended arms of the BJP. They are using the agencies at their disposal to not only hound and harass Opposition leaders but also bring down elected governments across the country. They put the taint of the Adarsh scam on (former Maharashtra CM and Congress leader) Ashok Chavan but when it suited them, they got him over to their side and even sent him to Rajya Sabha. They may claim to be giving free ration to 80 crore people but I would be happier if these people are assured jobs and livelihood prospects instead. The idea we are living under is not my idea of India.”
Poonam, Priyanka Spar Over Old Alliance
Invoking the split in the undivided Shiv Sena and a breakdown of relations with the BJP in 2019, Chaturvedi said, “We were back-stabbed. We were allies for 25 years. In 2019, there was a deal for a split chief ministership but they (BJP) went back on their promise, leaving us with no option (but to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi with the undivided NCP and the Congress). Does the BJP have the sole right to post-poll alliances? Our agenda is Dil Mein Ram, Haath Mein Kaam (Ram in our hearts and jobs in our hands). One of the greatest preachings of Lord Ram is to abide by one’s commitment till death.”
To this, Mahajan responded saying, “What does she know what the Shiv Sena did in 2014 and 2019. She was with the Congress then. Uddhav-ji, whom we have a lot of respect for, had said we (BJP-Sena) are 50:50. That was our understanding. I know the Thackerays and the Sena like few others do. Have they ever clarified why they went back on the 50:50 commitment?”
At this, Chaturvedi quipped, “Amit Shah should explain why the BJP allied with Ajit Pawar after accusing of an irrigation scam worth Rs 70,000 crore.”
Poonam Pokes Priyanka Asking If She Will ‘Switch’
Significantly, amid the heated exchange, Poonam asked the Sena (UBT) MP if she was considering switching to the BJP. However, to this question, the latter remained tight-lipped.
In closing, Chaturvedi said, “We (MVA) will win the next Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Uddhav-ji will return as CM.”
To this, Mahajan closed with the dig, “I hope all those clapping in the audience will also vote for them.”
Formerly a national spokesperson and prominent figure within the Congress, Priyanka Chaturvedi made headlines in 2019 when she parted ways with the grand old party to join the undivided Shiv Sena. At the time, the Shiv Sena was a constituent of the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra, led by then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
Reflecting on her decision to distance herself from the party where she gained prominence, Chaturvedi revealed that she harboured certain aspirations that she believed she couldn't fulfil within her former political affiliation.
Since joining the Shiv Sena, Priyanka has emerged as a notable and articulate voice of the Opposition and hasn't hesitated to critique the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance at the Centre on various fronts.
Currently representing the Mumbai North Central constituency in the Lok Sabha, Poonam Mahajan, daughter of the late BJP stalwart Pramod Mahajan, has made significant strides in her own right within the BJP and Maharashtra politics.
Stepping out of her father's shadow following his assassination on April 22, 2006, Poonam has established herself as a prominent figure within the BJP. She previously served as the president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the party's youth wing, before assuming greater responsibilities within the organisation.
Ideas Of India 3.0
The ‘Ideas of India’ Summit stands as a distinguished forum where notable personalities assemble to explore the intricate fabric of India, highlighting its vast similarities and deep-rooted differences. Emphasising the essence of India's identity as both 'India' and 'Bharat,' the summit holds particular significance, especially with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.