PM Modi targets Congress for ridiculing abrogation of Article 370

Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued his attack on the Congress party for criticising his government's move to abrogate Article 370. At an election rally in Maharashtra's Parli in Beed district, PM Modi lashed out at Congress leaders for demeaning and undermining the Centre's effort to fully integrate Jammu and Kashmir into the mainstream.

“Do you remember the comments made after Article 370 was abrogated? Whenever there will be discussions on Article 370, history will remember the people who mocked and criticised the step taken in the interest of the nation,” said PM Modi. He further lashed out at remarks made by senior Congress leaders after the Centre's Article 370 abrogation on August 5.

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“One leader said the move was like murder, one said it was a dark day in Indian politics and another said the Centre's decision was against democracy. While one leader said democracy has ended in India,” said the Prime Minister. He then asked the crowd whether they think democracy has died to which a thundering “no” answered back.

Hitting out at Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's remarks in the House criticising the Centre's move PM Modi said, “A Congress leader said that the Kashmir issue is not an internal matter of India. Is this true?,” further asking, “Have we lost Kashmir as suggested by Congress leaders?” to which the crowd replied “no”.

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PM praises party workers

He also praised BJP workers for their efforts saying, “BJP workers work day and night to spread the party's message to the last booth. The young leaders of Congress-NCP are leaving the parties while the old guard is holding their heads.” PM Modi added that people have a choice between a ruling alliance that worked for the people in the last five years and a Congress-NCP alliance that only work for their self-interests.

Highlights welfare schemes aimed at the poor

Stressing on the government's welfare initiatives, PM Modi said toilets, healthcare, electricity, gas connections, good infrastructure and houses were provided for the poor in the last five years. “If we can provide these for the poor in the last five years, then now we pledge to provide water to every household in the next five years.” He apprised the crowd that nearly Rs 3.5 lakh crore will be spent on the 'Har Ghar Jal' initiative which aims to provide piped water supply to every rural household by 2024. He also announced the construction of a water grid in water-parched Marathawad.

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He also touched upon the PM Kisan scheme that guarantees an annual income of Rs 6,000 to poor farmers. “We have ensured to give financial security to daily labourers,” said PM Modi. “Earlier there used to be a cut money for assistance provided to the poor. Now around Rs 8.5 lakh crore has been transferred directly into the beneficiaries' bank account throughout the country,” said PM Modi, adding that corruption in welfare schemes is now dealt with effectively and has led to huge savings for the public exchequer.

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PM Modi claimed that Rs 50,000 crore is being spent on infrastructure in Marathawada. He also praised sitting MLA and cabinet minister Pankaja Munde for her plans to create a mechanism for the welfare of children of cane growers in the state. Concluding his over 30-minute speech, PM Modi appealed the crowd to turn up in large numbers on voting day and cast their votes. “Just like an entire community celebrate Diwali together, I want you to celebrate democracy through voting on Monday.”