Congress selling ‘Nafrat Ka Samaan’ in ‘Mohabbat Ki Dukan’: PM

Jammu, Sep 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday hit out at Congress and its leadership yet again by accusing it of “trading in hatred in the name of its love-mart, all for the sake of vote-bank politics.”

In the same breath, he also tried to deflate the National Conference-Congress combine’s election plank related to the restoration of statehood to J&K. He reiterated that only the BJP government and none else would restore it (statehood to J&K) as it (BJP) committed it on the floor of the Parliament.

Addressing an election rally at Katra, his second rally in the Jammu region during the J&K assembly election 2024.

Earlier, he addressed his first election rally in Doda on September 14 in the Doda district which went to polls along with Kishtwar and Ramban districts in the Jammu region, in the first phase on September 18.

Katra assembly segment falls in Reasi district, which along with Rajouri and Poonch districts will go to polls in the second phase on September 25.

PM Modi chose Katra, the abode of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi to target senior Congress leader and the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for his “Devta remark made during his recent tour to the United States.

“This area is an identity of our faith and culture. Hence it needs a government which respects our faith and promotes and preserves our culture and traditions. However, Congress, just for a few votes, can put them at stake anytime,” he said.

Elaborating on it, the Prime Minister said, “Scion of Congress’ royal dynasty (Gandhi family) during his US tour stated – ‘Our deities (Devi, Devta) are not God.’ In Hindu religion, we have a tradition of worshipping deities and this practice is followed in almost every village of the country by the believers.” “However, Congress people don’t consider them as “God”. Is it not an insult to our deities? And should they not be punished for this insult? Won’t you punish them (through ballot)?” he asked.

Taking another dig at Congress, PM Modi said that they (Congress leaders) would never make any statement inadvertently. “This is a well-thought-out move. This is a ‘Naxal’ thought, imported from other religions and countries. Today Congress has been hijacked by this ‘Naxal thought process.’ You need to remain cautious of these people. Following the same ideology, Congress assaulted Dogra culture and traditions. Congress’ royal dynasty is the most corrupt family. It not only gave rise to corruption in India but promoted it as well,” he said.

“See their audacity, while being in Duggar-land, they (Congress leaders) launched a scathing attack on the Duggar royal dynasty by branding them as “corrupt.” Congress leader’s verbal assault on Dogra culture and legacy was a deliberate move. Yeh Mohabbat Ki Dukaan Par Nafrat Ka Samaan Bechney Ki Unki Purani Neeti Hai (This is their (Congress leaders’) old policy of trading in hatred in the name of (business) mart of love),” he said.

IT’S BJP COMMITMENT TO GIVE STATEHOOD TO J&K

PM Modi reiterated that J&K would be restored its statehood by the BJP government which had committed to the same on the floor of the Parliament.

“From this sacred place of Goddess Mother, I would like to reiterate my assurance to you that we (BJP) would restore statehood to J&K. It’s not that I’m making this announcement because elections are around the corner. It’s because we have committed on the floor of the Parliament. Therefore, I would request my brothers and sisters from J&K to vote for ‘Lotus’ to ensure victory of BJP candidates as MLAs,” he said.

Following the rally, the PM extended his gratitude to Katra for its overwhelming support. “Thank you, Katra, for blessing us with your support! The BJP is committed to building a prosperous future for Jammu and Kashmir.”

He stated that for vote-bank politics, Congress widened the gulf between Kashmir and Jammu.

It discriminated against Jammu, insulted Maharaja (Hari Singh) while BJP announced a holiday on his birth anniversary and gave respect to the Duggar dynasty and Duggar culture, the PM said.