Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a bold offensive against the Congress party and its allies during a campaign rally in Dhule, Maharashtra, for the upcoming assembly elections. Accusing Congress of fostering divisions within India’s diverse communities and pushing a “separatist agenda,” Modi declared that no power could reinstate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. This follows the recent passing of a resolution by the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, advocating for the restoration of Article 370—a move Modi labeled as a “conspiracy against Kashmir.” His fiery remarks focused on cautioning Maharashtra voters about Congress’s alleged tactics and highlighting BJP’s commitment to national unity.
The Article 370 Debate and Modi’s Stand
In his address, Modi pointed to recent developments in Jammu and Kashmir, where the newly elected assembly passed a resolution calling for the return of Article 370, which had previously granted special status to the region. The resolution was passed by a voice vote with support from the Congress-NC coalition, while BJP members protested vehemently, only to be removed from the assembly. Modi criticized Congress’s alignment with the National Conference, describing the resolution as not only divisive but also as forwarding “Pakistan’s agenda” in India.
“No power can bring back Article 370,” Modi declared emphatically, underscoring that his government’s revocation of the article in 2019 was irreversible. He insisted that the BJP would uphold the constitution as drafted by B.R. Ambedkar, reinforcing that no external pressure or influence could sway the central government’s stance on Kashmir.
Accusations of Division and Anti-Reservation Policies
Modi took a sharp tone, accusing Congress of creating societal rifts, especially among marginalized groups. Referencing Congress’s historical record, he alleged that former leaders like Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi implemented policies detrimental to reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and other backward classes. According to Modi, Congress’s recent actions in Jammu and Kashmir are in line with a legacy of division, which, he argued, is the party’s “biggest conspiracy” against India.
The Prime Minister also addressed the Maharashtra audience with cautionary words about the Congress-led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA), claiming that they would undermine social welfare programs like the Ladki Bahin scheme if elected. Modi called for a united front, saying, “If united, we are safe,” and urged voters to recognize and resist divisive politics.
Campaign Message in Dhule and Nashik
Modi’s rally in Dhule, known for its support of BJP in previous elections, served as a strategic launch for the party’s campaign in Maharashtra. He reminded voters of their historical support for his vision and urged them to stand with the Mahayuti alliance for a stable government. By framing Congress’s actions in Jammu and Kashmir as a threat to the whole nation, Modi positioned the state elections as part of a broader struggle for unity and national integrity.
In the North Maharashtra regions of Dhule and Nashik, Modi reiterated the need to uphold India’s constitutional values, distancing his party’s vision from what he described as the Congress’s “conspiracies.” Emphasizing that the BJP would remain steadfast in ensuring that Jammu and Kashmir remains integrated within India, Modi sought to rally support based on national unity and constitutional governance.
Modi’s rally in Dhule conveyed a resolute message: the BJP’s commitment to maintaining the unity and integrity of India, with a strong rejection of attempts to restore Article 370. His speech was both a campaign pitch for Maharashtra and a defense of BJP’s national policies, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. By framing the Congress-NC alliance’s resolution as a “conspiracy” and cautioning against divisive politics, Modi emphasized the need for a united, undivided India governed by Ambedkar’s constitution.
In the run-up to Maharashtra’s assembly elections, Modi’s rally underscored the BJP’s narrative: a strong India governed by principles of unity and constitutional adherence, where no power could reverse the integration of Jammu and Kashmir. With the assurance that his administration would stand firm on Article 370, Modi sought to position the BJP as a protector of India’s integrity, urging Maharashtra voters to support the Mahayuti coalition to maintain stability and unity in the state and across the country.
(With inputs from agencies)
