‘Congress is now a parasitic party surviving on crutches’: PM Modi slams Congress at Nashik rally ahead of Maharashtra polls | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress party for hampering India’s progress, especially in sectors such as defense manufacturing, accusing them of seeking power by dividing communities. Speaking in Nashik today, ahead of the November 20 Assembly elections in Maharashtra, Prime Minister Modi called the Congress a ‘parasitic Congress’ that is dependent on coalition partners for survival. He said, “The Congress is no longer the All India Congress. It has now become a parasitic Congress. This party only survives on crutches.”
Prime Minister Modi further claimed that Congress is struggling across India and often needs allies to contest elections in states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. Modi emphasized that Congress’s dependence on coalitions is a reflection of its declining influence and divisive politics.
Congress ‘against OBC unity’
In a sharp accusation, Prime Minister Modi alleged that the Congress is trying to weaken the Other Backward Class (OBC) communities to pave a path for his return to power, saying, “The Congress wants all these castes to inter-relate to fight. They suffer the most from the unity and strength of the OBCs.” He argued that the Congress is restless because an OBC Prime Minister is serving a third term and is “taking out their anger on the OBC.”
Prime Minister Modi also pointed out that the Congress and allies in the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) have consistently opposed policies like the Ladki Bahan Yojana, aimed at empowering women and OBCs. “Congress and its allies are leaving no opportunity to push back and weaken the country; They did that in defense manufacturing,” he said, citing their previous mismanagement of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which has now achieved record profits under BJP.
Abrogation of Article 370 and the BJP’s vision of ‘One Nation, One Constitution’
Prime Minister Modi contrasted the BJP’s commitment to a united India with the Congress’ stand on Article 370. “Two to three days ago, the Congress and its allies created a stir in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly to re-implement Article 370. They want Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution removed from the Constitution. Jammu and Kashmir,” he asserted, highlighting the “One Nation, One Constitution” approach of the BJP.
Achievements of BJP’s twin-engine government
Prime Minister Modi promoted the achievements of the BJP’s ‘dual engine government’ in Maharashtra, focusing on development programs such as the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and Namo Shetkari Maha Samman Nidhi, which support farmers. He credited the BJP’s policies for the economic advancement of over 25 crore people and assured that annual assistance to farmers would increase from Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000 if they were re-elected.
Congress’s ‘Gareebi hatao’ slogan is being criticised
Prime Minister Modi criticized the Congress’s ‘Gareebi Hatao’ slogan and argued that poverty has persisted under their leadership, while the BJP rule has brought tangible progress. “In the last ten years, 25 crore people have come out of poverty. This happened because Modi’s intention was right; he works as a servant of the poor,” he stated.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted BJP-led improvements in women’s welfare and noted initiatives such as the Ujjwala Yojana, which provides free gas connections, and the Jal Jeevan Mission, which has given more than 1.25 crore households access to piped water.
Prime Minister Modi warned that Congress’s return to power would undo these achievements and urged voters to support the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. “To ensure that such work for the poor continues, it is necessary to Mahayuti government again in Maharashtra,” he concluded, terming the elections as essential for the growth and stability of Maharashtra.