Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted that no power in the world can restore Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, a constitutional provision that granted special autonomy to the region before it was abrogated in August 2019. Speaking at a rally in Dhule, Maharashtra, ahead of the state assembly elections, Modi launched a strong critique of the Congress-led INDIA bloc, accusing it of pushing an agenda that could destabilize Jammu and Kashmir and compromise national unity.
In his speech, the Prime Minister accused the opposition of attempting to bring back Article 370, a move he argued would serve Pakistan’s interests and support separatist agendas. He also accused the Congress of working to provoke marginalized groups such as Dalits and Adivasis by spreading misinformation and divisive rhetoric.
“The INDIA bloc is peddling dangerous ideas and even waving around blank books as if they were the Constitution to confuse and mislead people,” Modi said, cautioning that attempts to stir up caste-based divisions threaten national unity. He urged people to remain united, underscoring his message with, “Ek hai, toh safe hai” (If we are united, we are safe). Modi alleged that the Congress party has been historically opposed to unity and has played divisive politics, first on religious lines, and now along caste and community lines. “There can be no bigger conspiracy against the country than this,” he stated.
He cited past instances to bolster his point, mentioning that during the recent Jammu and Kashmir assembly session, a resolution to bring back Article 370 was raised, and BJP MLAs opposing it were forcibly removed. Modi asserted that the BJP remains committed to national unity, vowing that only the Indian Constitution, drafted under Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, will hold authority in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Prime Minister also commented on the state of the political opposition in Maharashtra, where the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition – an alliance of Congress, the Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) – is contesting the upcoming elections. He described the MVA as a “vehicle without wheels or brakes,” embroiled in internal power struggles and incapable of governance. Modi stated that this lack of direction was evident in the MVA’s term in power, which he alleged was marred by development delays and neglect of public welfare.
Reflecting on his close ties with Maharashtra and his past engagements with the state, Modi expressed confidence in the support of the people of Maharashtra for the BJP-led Mahayuti (Grand Alliance). He praised the Mahayuti government for advancing significant developmental projects and urged voters to back the alliance to continue the progress seen in the last two-and-a-half years.
Modi criticized the MVA for putting up roadblocks to development projects during their tenure, which he argued halted Maharashtra’s economic growth. He noted that since the BJP-backed Mahayuti government came into power, the state has regained its momentum and commitment to progress. “Maharashtra’s lost pride and belief in development has been restored,” he claimed, adding, “Mahayuti aahe tar gati aahe, Maharashtra chi pragati aahe” (With Mahayuti, Maharashtra’s progress is assured).
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Touching upon the Mahayuti’s manifesto, Modi said it focuses on economic growth, social equality, and inclusivity, adding that empowering women remains central to their vision of a developed Maharashtra. He took a moment to highlight initiatives like the “Ladki Bahin” scheme, which aims to enhance opportunities for women across Maharashtra. Modi warned that if the MVA were to come to power, they might scrap such programs, potentially hindering women’s empowerment in the state.
He also addressed recent controversial remarks by an MVA leader who referred to the BJP’s candidate Shaina NC as “imported maal.” Modi condemned the comment as offensive and encouraged voters, particularly women, to reject such attitudes. He argued that this incident exemplified the MVA’s “disregard for dignity” and insisted that Maharashtra’s women deserve better.
In an economic highlight, Modi noted Maharashtra’s leadership in attracting foreign investment, with the state accounting for over half of India’s FDI in the past quarter. The Prime Minister also outlined future development projects, including a third airport near the Vadhavan port, emphasizing his government’s commitment to enhancing Maharashtra’s infrastructure and economy.
The rally in Dhule was Modi’s first in Maharashtra for the upcoming elections, and his speech emphasized unity, economic growth, and social harmony. He encouraged voters to recognize the Mahayuti as the only coalition capable of delivering consistent development, contrasting it with the MVA, which he characterized as lacking vision and stability.
