Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharply criticised the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI (M) and its affiliation with the INDIA alliance due to their manifesto pledge to eliminate nuclear weapons.
He voiced his concerns during a rally in Barmer, highlighting the perceived risks of disarming in a nuclear-armed neighbourhood, specifically pointing out that India's strategic adversaries are nuclear-capable.
The CPI (M) manifesto calls for a complete elimination of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, including chemical and biological arms.
Modi accused the Congress party and its allies of undermining India's power and security. He questioned the rationale behind the opposition's disarmament goals, considering the current geopolitical threats.
In his speech, Modi linked the Congress party with the historical actions of the Muslim League and alleged that the opposition's policies are influenced by anti-national elements.
In addition to national defence concerns, Modi criticised the Congress for its long-standing governance issues, particularly in Rajasthan. He discussed the state's severe water scarcity problems and accused the Congress of failing to deliver sustainable solutions during its tenure.
He highlighted his government's efforts through the 'Jal Jeevan Mission' which aims to provide water to 50 lakh households in Rajasthan, suggesting a contrast between his administration's proactive approach and the alleged negligence of previous governments.
Modi also accused the Congress of corruption and inefficiency in handling projects like the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP), which his government pushed forward quickly after coming to power.
He linked these issues to broader criticisms of the Congress's historical governance, including the imposition of the Emergency, which he claimed was a direct attack on the Constitution.
Celebrating the Constitution as a sacred text, Modi portrayed his government as the true upholder of constitutional values, in contrast to the Congress, which he accused of undermining constitutional principles during the Emergency.
He also mentioned the introduction of Constitution Day as a significant achievement of his administration, underscoring a commitment to honour the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar, the principal drafter of the Indian Constitution.
As the electoral contest heats up, Modi's speech reflects a clear strategy to portray the BJP as a defender of national security and constitutional values, contrasting these with what he describes as the dangerous and unstable policies of the Congress and its allies within the INDIA alliance.
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