PM Modi slams Congress for ‘appeasement politics,’ launches major aviation push in Haryana

New Delhi, Apr 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, mounted a fierce critique of the Congress party, accusing it of decades-long misuse of the Constitution for political gain, while simultaneously unveiling a major infrastructure initiative with the foundation stone laying of the new terminal at Maharaja Agrasen Airport in Hisar, Haryana. Speaking before a large gathering in Hisar, Modi targeted Congress’ “appeasement politics,” asserting that the party had “reduced the sacred Constitution to a tool for clinging to power.” He cited the Emergency as a defining example of how constitutional principles were subverted, and took aim at the opposition’s resistance to implementing a Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand, despite its constitutional validity.

“The Constitution provides for justice and equality, yet Congress distorted its spirit to serve narrow vote-bank interests,” the Prime Minister said. “Even the reservation meant for SCs, STs, and OBCs was weaponised for appeasement, rather than empowerment.” He singled out Karnataka’s recent decision to introduce religion-based reservations in government tenders, calling it unconstitutional. “This kind of appeasement has not helped the Muslim community, it has enriched a handful of extremists while leaving the majority poor, uneducated, and deprived,” Modi remarked.

Waqf Act and the ‘vote bank’ politics

The Prime Minister launched a pointed attack on the Waqf Act, branding it as the “biggest evidence” of Congress’ vote-bank politics. He accused the previous government of quietly amending the Act in 2013 to appease its core electoral base. “The Congress government gave unchecked powers to Waqf Boards, which led to the exploitation of lands meant for Dalits, tribals, and backward communities,” Modi said. He announced that the new amendments to the Act will protect tribal land from encroachment and ensure the Waqf’s original intent, to serve poor and marginalised Muslims, is finally honoured. “If Congress truly cared for Muslims, they would have had a Muslim party president or given 50% of their tickets to Muslim candidates. Their record exposes their real intentions,” he said.

Ambedkar’s vision and BJP’s welfare agenda

Framing the BJP’s developmental model as a continuation of Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy, the Prime Minister drew a stark contrast with the Congress. “They insulted Babasaheb, ensured his electoral defeats, and later tried to erase his contributions. Now they talk of social justice?” Modi recounted his government’s strides since 2014: over 11 crore toilets built, 12 crore rural households provided tap water, and financial inclusion through Jan Dhan accounts primarily benefiting SC, ST, and OBC communities. “In 70 years, only 74 airports were built. In 10 years, we’ve more than doubled that. Even those who wore slippers are now flying.”

He emphasised that Babasaheb’s vision of dignity for the marginalised is being realised through targeted welfare and infrastructure development, not empty slogans.

Hisar Airport: A new flight path for Haryana’s youth

The highlight of the event was the inauguration of the ₹410 crore terminal project at Maharaja Agrasen Airport in Hisar, a move that Modi called a “giant leap for Haryana’s aspirations.” The terminal will include a modern passenger facility, cargo terminal, and ATC tower. It will soon offer flights to Ayodhya, Jammu, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Chandigarh, enhancing connectivity for the region. “The new terminal is not just an airport; it is a launchpad for the dreams of Haryana’s youth,” the PM said. “From soldiers to sportspersons, Haryana has always led from the front. Now, its youth will fly higher.” The Maharaja Agrasen Airport project is set to boost regional aviation with regular connections to religious and commercial hubs. It forms part of the Centre’s UDAN scheme, which has already operationalised 600 air routes nationwide. The terminal is expected to drive job creation, tourism, and regional growth while bolstering national connectivity.

Applauding the Haryana government under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Modi contrasted the current administration’s clean hiring record with what he called the corrupt job culture under previous governments. “Youth once had to sell land or seek political favours for jobs. Now, they get jobs on merit.” He praised Haryana’s decisive implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, sharing that Rs 13,500 crore had been disbursed to ex-servicemen, many from Haryana, compared to the mere Rs 500 crore once set aside by Congress. Modi detailed the BJP-led efforts to preserve and honour Ambedkar’s legacy, developing key sites connected to his life into the “Panchteerth.” He recalled visiting Diksha Bhoomi in Nagpur recently and affirmed that Babasaheb’s ideals remain central to his government’s mission. “Congress may speak of Ambedkar, but they refused to even award him the Bharat Ratna while in power,” Modi said. “It was a BJP-backed government that finally honored him, and under our watch, Chaudhary Charan Singh too has received the Bharat Ratna.”