Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched his Maharashtra assembly election campaign from Dhule on November 8, delivering a fiery speech that sharply criticised the Congress and the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition for allegedly fostering divisive politics. Modi accused Congress of attempting to divide castes and communities, asserting that such tactics hinder India’s unity and progress.
“Dividing castes and tribes is the biggest conspiracy against India. Ek hain to safe hain (If united, then safe),” he declared to a cheering crowd, signaling unity as a pivotal theme of the campaign.
In his address, PM Modi charged Congress with actively opposing the interests of scheduled castes, tribal, and other backward communities. He claimed that prominent Congress leaders, including Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi, had introduced policies that marginalised these communities. “Rajiv Gandhi opposed OBC reservation,” PM Modi stated, emphasising the BJP’s commitment to advancing the rights of these groups.
The Prime Minister further accused Congress and its allies of plotting to undermine the constitution authored by B.R. Ambedkar, India’s architect of the Constitution and a revered figure in the Dalit community. PM Modi warned that Congress would seek to reinstate Article 370 if given the opportunity, a move he said would be detrimental to India’s unity. “Congress should not try to implement Pakistan’s agenda in Kashmir. I am committed to implementing the constitution in Kashmir. No one could reinstate Article 370 in Kashmir,” PM Modi asserted.
Modi raised concerns over the Congress-led MVA’s alleged plans to discontinue the Ladki Bahin scheme, a financial support program that provides Rs 1,500 monthly to women. The scheme is widely regarded as a means of empowering women, particularly in marginalised communities. “BJP and Mahayuti government are committed to women’s empowerment. But Congress-led MVA will cancel the Ladki Bahin scheme if they come to power. Women need to be alert about MVA, who doesn’t support women’s empowerment,” PM Modi cautioned.
As evidence of his government’s dedication to women’s advancement, PM Modi highlighted recent initiatives, including a pledge to recruit 25,000 women into Maharashtra’s police force. He emphasised that this move would not only bolster security but also open new employment opportunities for women, underlining the BJP’s commitment to gender equality.
Reflecting on his government’s achievements over the past decade, PM Modi stated that the BJP-led administration had consistently prioritised women’s empowerment, while Congress, he claimed, initially mocked these initiatives. “They are now forced to emulate us because of their lack of original ideas in empowering women,” he noted, underscoring his claim that BJP policies have set a benchmark in women’s welfare.
In his address, Modi pointed to the development momentum in Maharashtra under the Mahayuti government, which includes Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, whom he praised for “restoring Maharashtra’s prestige.” PM Modi described the MVA as a vehicle “without wheels or brakes,” indicating that the coalition lacked both direction and stability.
“Now they are fighting with each other for the post of Chief Minister,” PM Modi alleged, contrasting the internal conflicts within the MVA with the cohesive vision of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. “If there is Mahayuti, there is speed to progress,” he added, suggesting that only the Mahayuti alliance could provide consistent, long-term development for Maharashtra.
Highlighting his longstanding connection with Maharashtra, PM Modi stated, “You all know my affinity with Maharashtra,” and reminded the audience of Dhule’s pivotal role in supporting his appeal for a BJP government in 2014. He called on voters to once again rally behind the BJP to ensure continued development, pledging that the progress achieved over the last two and a half years would not be interrupted if the Mahayuti coalition remained in power.
PM Modi pledged that only the BJP-led government could provide Maharashtra with the good governance it deserves. He criticised the Congress for overlooking the cultural importance of Marathi, noting that despite being in power both at the Centre and in Maharashtra, Congress never pursued the classical language status for Marathi. In this context, PM Modi asserted that the BJP was more in tune with the aspirations of Maharashtra’s people.
Concluding his speech, PM Modi returned to the theme of national unity, accusing Congress of “pitting one caste against another,” a strategy he said was intended to hold back Dalits, backward classes, and tribal communities. PM Modi stated that only the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance can ensure Maharashtra’s continued progress while upholding the constitution, empowering women, and promoting inclusivity across all social groups.
