Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched a fierce critique of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi during an election rally in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir. His comments centered around Gandhi’s controversial remark regarding the concept of ‘devta’ in Indian culture, which Modi interpreted as a significant insult to the nation’s faith and heritage.
At the rally, Modi accused Congress of sacrificing the faith and culture of the Indian people in pursuit of votes, stating, “The Congress heir (Rahul Gandhi) went abroad and said that our ‘devi-devta’ are not gods. It is an insult to our faith. Congress should be punished for this.” Modi’s remarks emphasized his belief that such statements reflect a deeper, troubling ideology within the Congress party—a “naxal mindset,” as he described it. He claimed this mindset is rooted in influences from other religions and countries, suggesting that it undermines the core values of Indian society.
The Prime Minister specifically referenced Gandhi’s explanation of ‘devta’, which he offered during his recent trip to the United States. Gandhi had defined ‘devta’ as a person whose internal feelings align with their external expressions, arguing that it signifies transparency rather than divinity. Modi, however, viewed this interpretation as part of a broader conspiracy to diminish the significance of Indian cultural symbols.
“Such remarks are not made casually or by mistake; they are indicative of a planned strategy,” Modi asserted. He criticized the Congress party for what he perceived as a deliberate effort to undermine the Dogra culture of Jammu and Kashmir. This culture, rich in history and tradition, has been a focal point of regional pride, and Modi’s comments aimed to rally support for the BJP by positioning Congress as an adversary to that pride.
Further amplifying his attack, Modi vowed that his government would ensure the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, affirming, “This is our commitment in Parliament.” He asserted that the BJP’s administration has prioritized the welfare of the region, contrasting it with the previous Congress-led government, which he claimed had allowed resources, such as river waters, to flow into Pakistan while the current government focused on infrastructure development through dam construction.
In his speech, Modi also reiterated the permanence of the abrogation of Article 370, which previously granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. He stated, “No power on earth can bring Article 370 back to Jammu and Kashmir,” underlining his government’s resolve to counter any attempts to revert the changes made. He further emphasized that the BJP would not tolerate any agenda that aligns with Pakistan’s interests in the region.
Modi’s rhetoric included a strong commitment to combat separatism and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that these threats have been significantly weakened since the revocation of Article 370. He confidently proclaimed that the BJP government would fully stamp out such challenges, positioning himself and his party as the guardians of national integrity and security.
By framing the political discourse in this manner, Modi not only sought to consolidate support among his base but also aimed to paint Congress as out of touch with the cultural and spiritual values of the Indian populace. His speech resonated with sentiments of national pride and a call for unity against perceived external threats.
The implications of Modi’s statements extend beyond immediate electoral strategy; they highlight a broader cultural and ideological battle within Indian politics. As the BJP continues to push for a narrative steeped in nationalism and cultural identity, the Congress party faces the challenge of redefining its position in a rapidly changing political landscape.
In summary, Modi’s comments during the rally were designed to underscore the BJP’s commitment to preserving Indian culture while framing the Congress party as a threat to national unity. His rhetoric reflects the ongoing ideological struggle within Indian politics, where cultural identity and national pride are increasingly pivotal issues in shaping public opinion and electoral outcomes. As the elections approach, these themes will likely continue to dominate the discourse, influencing both the strategies of political parties and the sentiments of the electorate.
Statehood, Empowerment, Development: PM Modi's Vision for Jammu and Kashmir on Devta
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed a rally at the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar, where he lauded the strong voter turnout on the first day of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that this enthusiasm signified a renewed confidence in democracy among the youth, who are beginning to recognize the power of their votes as a catalyst for change and empowerment.
During his address, Modi criticized the dynastic politics of major parties in the region, specifically targeting the National Conference, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Congress. He attributed the long-standing issues of violence and marginalization faced by minorities, including Kashmiri Pandits and Sikhs, to the misrule of these parties over the decades. Modi accused them of prioritizing their political legacies at the expense of the region’s development and democratic values.
He reiterated the BJP’s commitment to restoring the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir, stating, “We have promised in Parliament that we will restore J&K’s statehood. The BJP will fulfil this commitment.” Modi’s remarks aimed to reassure the citizens of his government’s dedication to their rights and governance.
In addition to statehood, Modi outlined several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of the people. He announced a financial assistance program for farmers, pledging ₹10,000 annually, and committed to providing ₹18,000 each year to women who head families. Furthermore, he proposed increasing health insurance coverage from ₹5 lakh to ₹7 lakh, showcasing his government’s focus on social welfare.
Modi also criticized the historical governance style of the National Conference and the PDP, suggesting that these parties had stifled democratic processes for their benefit. He pointed out that they had treated the politics of Jammu and Kashmir as their personal domain, stating, “They did not want anyone except their families to come forward.” Modi noted that this fear of competition had led these parties to obstruct local elections, such as those for Panchayati Raj institutions, which would have introduced new voices and perspectives.
The Prime Minister reflected on the consequences of this entrenched political culture, remarking that it had resulted in a loss of faith among the youth in democratic processes. He pointed out that previous elections were conducted under restrictive conditions, with campaigning effectively halted by 6 PM and door-to-door outreach nearly impossible. In contrast, he praised the current electoral environment, where campaigns extend late into the night, allowing for greater engagement with the electorate.
“This is a time when the people are celebrating democracy,” Modi declared, highlighting a resurgence of hope among the younger population. He expressed confidence that they now believe their votes can bring about real change, marking a pivotal step towards their empowerment.
Modi also took a moment to address the plight of the Kashmiri Pandits and Sikhs, stating that the historical injustices they faced were exacerbated by the policies of the aforementioned parties. He asserted that these parties had played a significant role in the hardships experienced by these communities, thus failing in their duty to protect all citizens.
In closing, he noted the changing sentiments among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, saying, “The youths of my Jammu and Kashmir are no more helpless. They are becoming empowered under the Modi government.” Modi acknowledged the warm reception he received from the local populace, expressing gratitude for their support.
As the BJP contests 19 out of the 47 assembly seats in the Kashmir Valley, with a strategic focus on supporting independent candidates and smaller parties, Modi’s vision for the region seeks to forge a new path toward empowerment and development. His rallying cry underscores a commitment to restoring statehood, fostering democratic engagement, and ensuring the welfare of all citizens, particularly those who have historically been marginalized.