In a strategic move aimed at fostering a deeper connection with Punjabis and the Sikhs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday underscored the pivotal role of the Sikh community in the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya while addressing a Lok Sabha election rally at Dinanagar in Gurdaspur. Modi’s discourse illuminated the rich historical contributions of Sikhs to the Ram Temple project, highlighting their indispensable role in this significant national endeavour. Concurrently, Modi continued his critique of the Congress party, lambasting its historical actions that have left indelible scars on the Sikh community and Punjab as a whole, including orchestrating the partition and perpetrating the anti-Sikh riots, among others.
Speaking to a sizable gathering, Modi said: “The first person who initiated the fight for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya was a Sikh from our country. A descendant of that individual recently participated in a Ram Temple-related function. This is a testament to the contributions of Sikhs to our nation.”
Modi also took aim at the leaders of the pan-India opposition bloc — Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) — for their dismissal of the sanctity of the Ram Temple, urging the assembled audience to vehemently oppose such viewpoints, particularly at the ballot box on election day.
In a pointed attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Modi said: “Shehzada’s master claims that the identity of India is threatened by the construction of the Ram Temple and the celebration of Ram Navami. The Congress party boycotted the celebration of the Ram Temple.”
The Prime Minister also paid homage to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, recalling his significant contribution to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. “As a Member of Parliament representing Kashi, I always bow my head to Maharaja Ranjit Singh for the gold plating he offered for the dome of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple,” he said.
Continuing his offensive against Congress, Modi accused the party of historic injustices against the Sikhs. He recounted the genocide of Sikhs in Delhi and accused Congress of shielding the perpetrators. “The INDI alliance has inflicted deep wounds on Punjab. From the trauma of Partition and the genocide of Sikhs in Delhi, Congress has been responsible. It even protected the culprits of the Sikh genocide. However, under my administration, the files of these culprits were opened, and justice was served,” he said.
Modi also criticized Congress’s stance on Kashmir, accusing the party of promoting separatism. “The INDI alliance poses a significant threat to the nation. Congress speaks of reinstating Article 370 in Kashmir, advocating for separatism and peace talks with Pakistan. They would rather offer flowers to Pakistan while it continues to bomb us. They argue that Pakistan has an atom bomb and that we should fear it. This is laughable. They forget that this is a new India, which does not hesitate to confront its enemies.”
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is contesting the Lok Sabha election independently for the first time since 1966, has fielded former MLA Dinesh Singh Babbu from Gurdaspur, replacing the sitting MP Sunny Deol, with elections scheduled in the state's 13 constituencies on June 1. Making no mention of the sitting MP Sunny Deol, Modi, in a nostalgic nod, remembered Bollywood star Vinod Khanna, emphasizing his deep connection with Gurdaspur. “The relationship between Gurdaspur and the BJP is special. Vinod Khanna was my good friend, and we worked together closely. His contributions are still fondly remembered,” he reminisced.
Modi, who did not make any mention of the former Chief Minister and Patiala royal capt Amarinder Singh in his Patiala rally a day before, on Friday accused the congress party of “insulting” him for not bowing to Congress’ “royal party’s” diktats.
Taking on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for its “remote control governance” from Delhi, Modi also targeted the Congress of disrespecting the national security. “When Congress was in power in Punjab, they attempted to govern via remote control. Capt Amarinder refused to comply, prioritizing the national security, leading to his removal from office. This is an unforgettable insult,” he said.
Modi also lashed out at AAP for “mismanaging” Punjab. “Delhi Darbaris are once again trying to run Punjab with a remote control. The Punjab Chief Minister cannot make a single decision independently. His superior was in jail, causing a halt in Punjab’s governance. The Punjab CM had to visit jail to receive instructions. Do you want Punjab to be governed from jail? Isn’t this an insult to Punjab?” he questioned.
Urging the people of Punjab to vote for the BJP, Modi concluded, “To elevate Punjab from its current situation, elect more BJP MPs. Your dreams will be my objectives, and I will dedicate every second to realizing them. Let’s not waste our votes; let's ensure a BJP victory.”
Cong, INDIA’s balloon has burst: Modi in Jalandhar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's electoral blitz in Punjab took a fiery turn on Friday evening as he unleashed scathing criticism against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in particular and INDI alliance in general during a rally in Jalandhar. Mincing no words, Modi accused the AAP of being deeply entrenched in a massive liquor scam, raising serious doubts about their commitment to combating the rampant drug crisis gripping Punjab.
Modi, in his address, didn't hold back, questioning how a party embroiled in such corruption scandals could ever be trusted to lead the charge against Punjab's drug epidemic. He underscored the helplessness of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who seemed incapable of making independent decisions in the absence of his incarcerated ‘owners’, effectively paralyzing the state's governance.
But Modi's critique wasn't reserved solely for the AAP. He took aim at the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) as well, lambasting its leaders for echoing rhetoric akin to Pakistan's, a thinly veiled insinuation against their loyalty to Punjab's interests.
“Their balloon has burst,” said Modi boldly, referring to the Congress and the INDI alliance. It was a stark assertion of the dwindling prospects of these opposition factions in the face of his resurgent popularity. The Prime Minister didn't miss the opportunity to highlight the prevailing sentiment among the masses, confidently asserting that the overwhelming majority favoured the return of his government.
In his relentless pursuit to secure Punjab’s future, Modi laid bare the failures and follies of his political adversaries, presenting the BJP as the sole beacon of hope for the state's prosperity. With each passing moment, his conviction and determination seemed to resonate louder, rallying the masses behind his vision for a vibrant and prosperous Punjab.
“The ones embroiled in a massive liquor scam, how can they not be knee-deep in the illicit drug trade in Punjab? This is their reality," Modi declared, casting doubt on the AAP's integrity and commitment to combating Punjab's drug crisis. He lauded the state BJP president, commending his steadfastness in opposing the dishonest practices of the AAP.
Modi further lambasted the Congress, accusing the party of perpetuating a culture of corruption and deception. He alleged that the Congress concealed its misdeeds to protect its voter base, disregarding the interests of the people. The Prime Minister highlighted the BJP's unwavering dedication to transparency and accountability, contrasting it with the Congress's legacy of nepotism and malfeasance.
“Where there is Congress, there are problems. Where there is BJP, there are solutions. This is why the entire country is saying that on June 4, we will cross the 400 mark,” said Modi confidently, underscoring the widespread support for the BJP's governance.
Referring to Punjab as the cradle of Indian heritage and spirituality, Modi criticized the Congress for its neglect of the state’s cultural and historical significance. He accused the Congress of partitioning Punjab in pursuit of political gains, betraying the legacy of the state’s illustrious gurus.
Modi’s “Guarantees” to Jalandharites
Unveiling ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’, Modi made five significant promises to the people of Jalandhar. Firstly, he pledged to rejuvenate Jalandhar as a hub of sports and combat issues like drug trafficking. Secondly, he vowed to create employment opportunities for local youths, ensuring they can work close to home and don’t go abroad. Thirdly, Modi assured an expansion of flight services from the newly -inaugurated Adampur Airport. Fourthly, he committed to extending the reach of the Vande Bharat Express to more cities in Punjab. Lastly, he also guaranteed free medical checkups and other expenses for senior citizens above 70 if the BJP government secures victory.
