Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Visit to Bihar: From Inauguration of Vande Bharat Express to Addressing the BJP Booth Workers

Ahead of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly Elections to be held later this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi went on a one-day visit to Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh on 27th June 2023. He flagged off two Vande Bharath express trains from Rani Kamlapati railway station in Bhopal. One Vande Bharath Express runs from Bhopal to Indore, and another Vande Bharath Express runs from Bhopal to Jabalpur. Moreover, he also virtually flagged off three more Vande Bharat Express trains. Vande Bharat Express trains that run in Madgaon (Goa)-Mumbai route, Dharwad-Bengaluru route, and Hatia-Patna route are the three express trains that the PM flagged off virtually. After inaugurating the Vande Bharath Expresses, PM Modi tweeted, “These trains will improve connectivity in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Bihar, and Jharkhand.”

On 27th June 2023, PM Modi addressed a public meeting on ‘Mera Booth Sabse Majboot’ in Bhopal. PM Modi acknowledged the role of the state of Madhya Pradesh in making the BJP the most significant political party in the country. Moreover, he also referred to the BJP booth workers as the biggest power of the party as the booth workers reach out to the grassroots level for the betterment of the BJP.

Highlights of his speech are as follows:

PM Modi’s Push for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India. He highlighted that the Supreme Court has also supported the idea, but opposition parties engaged in vote bank politics are opposing it. With less than a year left for the Lok Sabha polls, PM Modi urged for a unified law that would govern marriage, divorce, inheritance, maintenance, and succession for all citizens.

Opposition Parties Accused of Corruption and Photo-Ops

PM Modi launched a scathing attack on opposition parties, accusing them of widespread corruption and dismissing their recent unity conclave in Patna as a mere photo-op. He claimed that these parties, by engaging in vote bank politics, can only guarantee corruption and have been involved in scams worth at least ₹20 lakh crore.

Misleading the Muslim Community with UCC Issue

PM Modi criticized opposition parties for using the issue of the Uniform Civil Code to mislead and provoke the Muslim community. He questioned the viability of having two systems in one home, emphasizing the need for equal rights for all citizens as enshrined in the Constitution. He argued that opposition parties chanting slogans about Muslims have not genuinely worked for their welfare, as Muslim families continue to lag behind in education and job opportunities.

The Disastrous Policy of Appeasement

PM Modi denounced the policy of appeasement practiced by some political parties, stating that it is disastrous for the country. He specifically mentioned the plight of Pasmanda Muslims, who are not treated as equals due to vote bank politics. The term “Pasmanda” refers to backward classes among Muslims, and PM Modi claimed that their rights and opportunities have been neglected.

Neglect of Pasmanda Muslims and Backward Castes

PM Modi highlighted that various castes, including Pasmanda Muslims, have been left behind in development due to the policy of appeasement. He pointed to states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and so on where certain castes have been marginalized. PM Modi argued that the support for triple talaq, a practice he deemed unjust to Muslim daughters, further perpetuates the neglect of these communities.

Injustice of Triple Talaq and Muslim Daughters

Addressing the issue of triple talaq, PM Modi questioned its necessity and highlighted its banning in countries such as Egypt, Pakistan, and Qatar. He emphasized that triple talaq not only does injustice to daughters but also ruins entire families. PM Modi called for introspection on why a practice deemed essential in Islam has been abolished in Muslim-majority nations.