Image Credits - Times of India
In a speech at a public rally in Anand, Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a direct challenge to the Congress party, demanding they give a written assurance that they will not amend the Constitution to provide reservations on the basis of religion. His remarks come amid heightened political rhetoric ahead of crucial Lok Sabha elections.
“I challenge Congress to give in writing that they will not change the Constitution to give reservation on a religious basis,” said PM Modi, accusing the opposition party of harbouring plans to extend reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to the Muslim community.
The Prime Minister’s comments were in response to what he perceived as Congress’s overtures towards minority communities for electoral gains. “Congress wants to change India’s Constitution to give reservation of SC, ST, and OBC communities to Muslims,” he alleged.
PM Modi’s statements align with the BJP’s long-standing criticism of Congress’s alleged policy of “minority appeasement” and their own commitment to a uniform civil code. However, Congress has refuted such claims, accusing the BJP of polarizing the electorate along religious lines.
Continuing his attack, the Prime Minister took a jibe at the opposition’s leadership, stating, “Congress is dying here, and Pakistanis are crying; Pak leaders want to make ‘shehzada’ (prince) of Congress India’s prime minister.” This remark appeared to be a veiled reference to Rahul Gandhi’s perceived dynastic ambitions within the Congress party.
In contrast, PM Modi highlighted his government’s achievements, particularly in the realm of rural development. “The country has seen Congress’ rule for 60 years, and BJP’s ‘seva-kaal’ (era of service) for 10 years. In Congress’ 60 years of rule, around 60 per cent of the rural population did not have the facility of toilets. BJP accomplished this in just 10 years,” he stated, underscoring the BJP’s efforts in providing basic amenities to rural India.
The Prime Minister’s speech also touched upon India’s growing international stature, asserting, “Today, India is being seen as a peacemaker in the world.”
Decades-long Rivalry Between Congress and BJP
The heated exchange between PM Modi and Congress is merely the latest chapter in a long-standing political rivalry that has defined Indian politics for decades. The two parties have vastly different ideological leanings, with Congress positioning itself as a centrist force and the BJP aligning itself with right-wing Hindu nationalism.
This ideological divide has often manifested itself in bitter electoral battles, with both parties accusing each other of divisive politics and failing to uphold the country’s secular fabric. Issues such as reservations, minority rights, and national security have consistently been at the forefront of their clashes.
As the country gears up for crucial Lok Sabha elections, the rhetoric between the two political heavyweights is expected to intensify further, with each side aiming to rally their respective support bases and sway undecided voters.