PM Modi Addresses Rally in Nanded, Criticizes Congress Ahead of Maharashtra Polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Nanded, Maharashtra on Thursday, April 20, 2024, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April 26th in the Nanded and Hingoli constituencies. During his speech, PM Modi highlighted the achievements of the NDA government, criticized the Congress party and its leader Rahul Gandhi, and defended the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Modi took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi, saying the "Congress' sahabzade (prince)" will lose from the Wayanad constituency in Kerala after losing the Amethi seat, and will have to look for a safer seat after April 26th. "The Congress Shehzada is searching for a secure constituency other than Wayanad, just as they had to leave Amethi," Modi said, referring to Gandhi's defeat in his family bastion of Amethi in the 2019 elections.

The Prime Minister claimed that information from the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls indicates one-sided voting in support of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He criticized the opposition INDIA bloc, stating it lacks a face to project and that Congress leaders have accepted defeat even before the announcement of the polls.

Modi also highlighted the NDA government's achievements, including providing toilets to millions of women, facilitating bank accounts for the poor, and introducing Digital India and UPI technology. He accused the Congress of opposing UPI technology and putting obstacles in Maharashtra's development for decades, which he claimed led to farmers' distress, industrial problems, and migration in Marathwada.

Why this matters: The Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra are being closely watched as a key battleground state, with the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance facing off against the Congress-NCP combine. PM Modi's rally in Nanded is seen as an attempt to boost the NDA's prospects in the region and counter the opposition's campaign.

Defending the Citizenship Amendment Act, Modi said it provides justice to those affected by partition. He expressed his commitment to leading India to become the world's third-largest economy. The rally was attended by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, BJP MP Ashok Chavan, and Republican Party of India (A) President and Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale. Modi appealed to voters to come out in large numbers to exercise their voting rights, stating that they are securing the country's future.

Key Takeaways

• PM Modi addressed a rally in Nanded, Maharashtra ahead of Lok Sabha polls on April 26.
• Modi criticized Rahul Gandhi, saying he will lose in Wayanad after losing Amethi.
• PM claimed NDA has one-sided support in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls.
• Modi highlighted NDA's achievements and accused Congress of opposing UPI and obstructing Maharashtra's development.
• PM defended Citizenship Amendment Act and expressed commitment to make India 3rd largest economy.