Patna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Sunday a blistering attack on the Congress-led opposition accusing it of focusing solely on trying to ‘finish’ him off while he is working to quell terrorism, ensure national security, eradicate poverty and corruption, and generate employment.
Addressing an NDA rally here in the presence of his Bihar allies — including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan – Modi came down heavily on the opposition for their skepticism over the surgical strikes by the Army post the Uri terror attack, and the air strikes in Balakot after the Pulwama suicide bombing.
Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had in the last couple of days had wanted proof regarding the authenticity of the IAF strikes in Balakot.
“Is it appropriate for these parties to speak in a language that suits Pakistan? Leaders of the neighbouring country are using it as a shield to protect themselves against the charge of promoting terrorism. They are clapping gleefully,” Modi told the huge gathering.
The PM alleged Sunday the opposition parties were conspiring against him ‘while I want to eliminate terror. They are conspiring to finish me off’.
“When the country needed to speak in one voice, 21 opposition parties gathered in Delhi to adopt a resolution condemning us. They are demanding proof from the armed forces for their act of bravery,” stated the Prime Minister.
Modi also slammed Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, who has coined the slogan ‘Chowkidar chor hai’ (the watchman is the thief). “Those who run their political shops in the name of the poor and care for nothing except for their dynasties are having problems with the chowkidar. But the chowkidar is alert and on the job,” stated Modi.
“There seems to be a contest among the opposition parties led by the Congress for hurling abuse at the Chowkidar. But the people of the country have made up their mind. They are going to punish these parties once again and teach them a few more lessons,” Modi asserted.
Addressing his first political rally with friend- turned-foe-turned-friend Nitish Kumar, the Prime Minister showered praise on the Bihar Chief Minister calling him ‘hard working and sophisticated’.
The Prime Minister also asserted that the BJP-led government at the Centre wants to ensure that all sections of the society gain access to the best of facilities.
The NDA government is working on all departments including roadways, railways and airways to improve infrastructure in Bihar, he said.
In an apparent repudiation of the allegation that the BJP was anti-Muslim, Modi spoke about India’s rising stock in the eyes of Islamic countries which he said was reflected in the increased quota for Haj pilgrims and Saudi Arabia agreeing to free more than 800 migrants lodged in its jails. He pointed out that the presence of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj as the guest of honour at the recent Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) conference exemplified that.
“Such an honour was bestowed on India after five decades during which mostly the Congress and its allies were in power. Why the voice of India was not heard in Islamic nations during that period?” Modi asked.
PTI