Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (October 9, 2024) said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a victory in the Haryana Assembly polls, and in Maharashtra, they aim to achieve an even larger triumph.
He criticised the Congress, calling it an irresponsible party and a “factory for spreading hatred,” accusing it of attempting to divide Hindus and fuel communal tensions.
“BJP’s historic win in the Haryana polls reflects the nation’s mood; in Maharashtra, we must secure an even bigger victory,” the Prime Minister said while addressing the public virtually after laying the foundation for a series of development projects worth over ₹7,600 crore in Maharashtra, including the New Integrated Terminal building at Shirdi Airport.
He said that the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) wants to weaken Maharashtra to gain power, but ruling Mahayuti would strengthen the State.
“The Congress is an irresponsible party and a factory to spread hatred. The Congress is not concerned about development and legacy, we have paid attention to both… they want to divide Hindus and pit one community against another,” Mr. Modi said.
The Western State heads for polls in mid-November.
Also read | Setback in Haryana won’t affect Congress in Maharashtra; party to contest 110-115 seats: Nana Patole
The 74-year-old BJP leader, who recently completed 100 days in office in the third successive term, further said that the grand old party creates fear among Muslims and converts them into its vote bank. “Congress accelerated corruption while We propel development,” he said.
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the upgradation of the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur and the New Integrated Terminal Building at Shirdi Airport. The upgradation of Nagpur’s airport, with an estimated cost of ₹7,000 crore, is expected to boost sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, aviation, logistics, and healthcare, particularly benefiting Nagpur and the wider Vidarbha region.
The new Shirdi airport terminal, set to be constructed at a cost of ₹645 crore, is designed with a spiritual theme inspired by Saibaba’s Neem tree and will cater to the needs of religious tourists.
Mr. Modi also launched 10 new government medical colleges across the State, located in cities including Mumbai, Nashik, Amravati, and Gadchiroli. These institutions will increase undergraduate and postgraduate seats and provide specialised tertiary healthcare.
Additionally, he inaugurated the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) in Mumbai, which is set up in collaboration with the Tata Education and Development Trust under a Public-Private Partnership model. The IIS aims to train a cutting-edge, industry-ready workforce in fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and mechatronics.
Another initiative launched was the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) of Maharashtra. This centre will provide key educational and administrative data to students, teachers, and administrators, offering solutions to improve teaching practices and student learning.
Meanwhile, the Congress responded to Prime Minister Modi’s criticism by asserting that taxpayer money should not be used for political speeches.
In a post on X, Congress’ media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said, “Why should the @PMOIndia use a government platform and a government programme to make a political speech and attack the opposition?” “Taxpayers’ money cannot and should not be used to indulge in a political speech? For that, he can use the BJP’s platform,” Mr. Khera said.
Published - October 09, 2024 02:01 pm IST
