Maharashtra Assembly Elections: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on the Congress while addressing a rally in Akola on Saturday ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Accusing the Congress of exploiting states under its rule as sources of funding, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Wherever a Congress government is formed, that state becomes the ATM (Automated Teller Machine) of the ‘shahi parivar’ (royal family) of the side. We will not allow Maharashtra to become the Congress’ cash machine.”

Modi also criticized the Congress’ approach to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy and challenged the party to prove its commitment to Ambedkar’s contributions.

“I challenge the Shahi parivar of the Congress to prove whether they have ever seen the panchteerth of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar,” Modi said. He used the term “panchteerth” to refer to Ambedkar’s birthplace in Mhow, his residence in London, Deeksha Bhoomi in Nagpur where he embraced Buddhism, Mahaparinirvan Sthal in Delhi and Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai.

In a call for unity, Modi cited Haryana’s approach against the Congress’s alleged divisive tactics: “The people of Haryana foiled the Congress conspiracy by using the mantra ‘Ek hain toh safe hain’ (we are safe when we are united) to follow.”

He further alleged, “The Congress knows that it will be strengthened only when the country is weakened. The policy of that party is to pit one caste against another.”

Modi also criticized the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance in Maharashtra, describing it as synonymous with “corruption and fraud of thousands of crores of rupees”.

Highlighting the government’s achievements, he said, “In my first two terms as Prime Minister, I gave four crore pucca houses to the poor.”

In his appeal to the voters in Maharashtra, Modi said, “I have come to seek your blessings for the BJP-led Mahayuti (grand alliance) in the Assembly elections in Maharashtra.” He reflected on the significance of November 9, referring to the 2019 Supreme Court verdict on the Ram Temple: “This date of November 9 will also be remembered because people of every religion showed great sensitivity after the Supreme Court’s decision .”

Modi concluded by thanking Maharashtra for its continued support to the BJP, attributing it to the “patriotism, political understanding and vision” of the people.