Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress, claiming its recent “Voter Adhikar Yatra” in Bihar aimed to “protect infiltrators” and secure votes with their support. Speaking at Thyagaraj Stadium during the inauguration of 17 Delhi government welfare schemes on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, Shah said the opposition was undermining the SIR exercise.
"Rahul Baba and the Congress party have just embarked on the 'Protect the Infiltrators Yatra' (ghuspathiya bachao). They want infiltrators to remain on our voter lists because they do not trust the people of India. They want to win elections with the help of infiltrators. The BJP supports the SIR exercise to cleanse the electoral rolls," Shah stated.
The 14-day, 1,300-km-long yatra in Bihar was held to protest the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the poll-bound state, a move criticised by Congress and other opposition parties as disenfranchisement of voters. Bihar is scheduled to go to polls later this year.
Shah lauded Modi’s defence policies, highlighting India’s surgical strikes and air operations. "He gave a befitting reply to Pakistan with Operation Sindoor," he said. He also emphasised India’s economic growth, asserting that the country is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027 under Modi’s leadership. "Former prime minister Manmohan Singh left the country's economy ranked 11th in the world. It was under Modi that we have become the fourth-largest economy in the world," Shah added.
Also read: Bihar Yatra set to become national protest on 'Vote Chori': Rahul
Highlighting the Prime Minister’s focus on indigenous products, Shah encouraged citizens to purchase “swadeshi” items, noting that from September 22, 395 common daily-use products would attract either zero or minimal GST. "Purchase as much as you want but ensure that you buy swadeshi items. It should be in our habit to promote swadeshi for a prosperous India," he urged.
Shah further praised Modi’s welfare initiatives, citing facilities extended to 60 crore people and 25 crore lifted out of poverty. "For the first time after Independence, Modi has undertaken the task of shortening the list of those living in poverty," Shah said. He described the Prime Minister’s tenure as one that made the country secure, strengthened the economy, and inspired a sense of nationhood among India’s youth.
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