PM Criticizes MVA: Claims Congress Controls Thackeray’s Legacy in Mumbai
During a rally at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on November 14, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ahead of the Maharashtra elections.
He took aim at the opposition for allegedly insulting key political figures like Veer Savarkar and Bal Thackeray while urging voters to support the Mahayuti alliance. Modi’s speech highlighted various issues with the MVA and outlined the BJP-led alliance’s vision for Maharashtra.
Modi Slams MVA Over Insulting Savarkar and Thackeray in Mumbai Rally
The Prime Minister began by criticizing the MVA for their disrespect towards Veer Savarkar, describing how they “insult Veer Savarkar, talk about saffron terror, and oppose the implementation of the Constitution in Kashmir.”
He accused the opposition of hypocrisy, noting their consistent opposition to the Ram Mandir but claiming they wore saffron attire to attract votes when elections approached.
Modi condemned the MVA’s position on Article 370, stating their push to reinstate it in Jammu & Kashmir was detrimental to national unity.
He also referred to their historical neglect of Marathi, which he claimed had not been given its due recognition as a classical language.
In his address, Modi also referred to the political rivalry within the Shiv Sena. He remarked that while Mumbai was once the stronghold of Bal Thackeray’s principles, the MVA now had “one particular party” that had surrendered its autonomy to the Congress. This, according to Modi, led to a constant insult to Thackeray’s legacy.
He directly challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, stating, “This is the reason I have given an open challenge to the Congress’s shehzada to speak a few words of praise for Balasaheb if he dares.” Modi’s remarks underscored the ongoing friction between the Shiv Sena and Congress within the MVA.
Shifting his focus to the positive impact of the Mahayuti government, Modi emphasized the progress the alliance was making to fulfill the aspirations of the people in Mumbai.
He pointed to the significant investments being poured into infrastructure projects across the city, saying, “The BJP-led Mahayuti is pushing Mumbai towards lakhs and crores of investment projects to build world-class infrastructure.”
Modi also mentioned that 70 lakh people from the lower-income groups in Mumbai had benefited from the PM SVANidhi Yojana, which provided them with the means to invest in their own businesses. This initiative was framed as part of the Mahayuti’s commitment to lifting the city’s disadvantaged populations.
PM Modi Promises Investment, Women’s Leadership, and More
Another key area Modi focused on was women’s empowerment in Maharashtra. He pointed out that Maharashtra was home to over 27,000 startups, with a majority of them being run by women.
“The Mahayuti’s Ladki Bahin Yojana has added benefits to the existing leadership of women,” Modi said, recognizing the growing influence of women entrepreneurs in the state. This acknowledgement of women’s role in driving economic growth was a strong part of the rally’s message.
In addition to these issues, Modi took the opportunity to remind voters about Congress’s approach to reservation policies. He claimed that if Congress were to come to power, they would eliminate reservations, further accusing Rahul Gandhi of undermining the country’s progress.
He urged the public to remember the slogan, “ek hain toh safe hain,” meaning “we are safe if united.” This was intended to emphasize the unity and strength that would come from supporting the BJP and its allies in the election.
A Vision for Maharashtra’s Growth and Unity in the Upcoming Elections
Earlier in the day, during a separate rally in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Modi framed the election as a choice between those who honor Maharashtra’s historical figures like Sambhaji Maharaj and those who allegedly propagate “Aurangzeb’s slogans.”
He further highlighted the economic developments taking place in the region, citing over ₹70,000 crore in investment memorandums signed and ₹45,000 crore worth of projects already underway.
Modi promised that these efforts would transform the area into a thriving hub for industry, with a special focus on infrastructure and job creation.
Turning his attention to Raigad district, particularly Panvel, Modi spoke about the transformative work being done under the BJP-led government. He stated that the BJP had successfully lifted 25 crore people out of poverty in the last decade.
In Taloja, he highlighted the construction of Asia’s second-largest data center park, worth ₹30,000 crore, which he said would position the area as a center for data and artificial intelligence. This project, according to Modi, would create numerous employment opportunities and further bolster Maharashtra’s standing as a technological powerhouse.
