'They neither have a leader nor intent,' PM Modi slams INDIA bloc in Patiala
- In Reports
- 10:11 PM, May 23, 2024
- Myind Staff
During a rally in Patiala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that if he had been in power in 1971, he would have seized Kartarpur Sahib from Pakistan before freeing their troops. This statement was made in the context of addressing the Sikh community in Punjab, highlighting their historical role in nation-building efforts. PM Modi criticised the current AAP government, particularly Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, labelling him as merely a 'kagazi Chief Minister' or a Chief Minister in name only, and raised concerns about corruption and drug trade issues.
During his rally in Patiala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the emotional issue of Kartarpur Sahib, a revered gurdwara where Guru Nanak Dev spent the last years of his life, emphasising its significance to the Sikh community. He criticised the Congress party for the Partition of the country, alleging that they prioritised power over national unity.
PM Modi highlighted the fact that Kartarpur Sahib, located in Pakistan's Punjab, remained inaccessible to Indians for 70 years after Partition, only visible from a distance through binoculars. He pointed out that an opportunity arose in 1971, during the Indo-Pak war, when more than 90,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered to the Indian Army, putting Kartarpur Sahib within India's reach.
During the rally in Patiala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted, "Had Modi been there at that time, he would have taken Kartarpur Sahib from them and then freed their troops." He expressed his regret that this action was not taken by previous governments but stated that he did what he could by inaugurating the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor in 2019, which facilitated easier access for Sikh pilgrims to the shrine.
Campaigning for Preneet Kaur, the Patiala candidate and wife of former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, PM Modi stated that he had come to seek blessings in the land of the Gurus "by bowing my head." Other BJP candidates, including Parampal Kaur Sidhu from Bathinda, Arvind Khanna from Sangrur, Hans Raj Hans from Faridkot, and Gejja Ram Valmiki from the Fatehgarh Sahib seat, were also present on stage as PM Modi addressed the gathering, all adorned in traditional Sikh turbans.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted Punjab's leading role in various sectors, from agriculture to industry, but criticised the current Bhagwant Mann-led government, describing it as "fiercely corrupt" and responsible for detrimental changes in the state. He lamented the decline of trade and industry in Punjab, coupled with the growing drug trade, and emphasised that the state government is heavily indebted.
PM Modi pointed out the lack of governance in Punjab, asserting that the influence of the sand and drug mafia, as well as shooter gangs, prevails while the government's authority is weak. He criticized the ministers for their alleged indulgence and referred to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as a 'kagazi Chief Minister', suggesting that his focus is primarily on maintaining a presence in the 'Delhi darbar' rather than addressing issues in Punjab.
Additionally, PM Modi took a dig at the AAP and the Congress for forming alliances in Delhi while competing against each other in Punjab during the Lok Sabha elections. "In Punjab, they are competing against each other in elections just for show. The 'fiercely corrupt party' from Delhi and the party implicated in anti-Sikh riots are staging a drama of rivalry," Prime Minister Modi remarked.
"But the truth is, while one is represented by the 'panja' (the Congress symbol) and the other by the 'jhadoo' (the AAP symbol), they are essentially two sides of the same coin. They may make any statements against each other here, but in Delhi, they are dancing together. That's why I urge the people of Punjab to be cautious," he cautioned. PM Modi continued, stating that the party that "betrayed" their guru Anna Hazare and is known to speak falsehoods multiple times a day can never bring about any good for Punjab or its people.
He also outlined the initiatives undertaken by his government for the benefit of the Sikh community, such as providing tax exemptions on materials used for making 'langar' and easing foreign donation regulations for the Golden Temple. Additionally, PM Modi mentioned that his government had declared 'Veer Baal Diwas' to commemorate the martyrdom of the sons of the tenth Sikh guru. "It saddens me that some people fail to grasp the significance of the 'Veer Baal Diwas' announcement. I wanted every child to understand the sacrifices made by the sons of Guru Gobind Singh," Prime Minister Modi expressed.
He went on to highlight his government's efforts in bringing Sikh families and 'saroops' of Guru Granth Sahib from Afghanistan, emphasising his personal connection to the Sikh community by mentioning that one of the 'panj pyare' of Guru Gobind Singh hailed from Gujarat, his home state.
PM Modi recalled his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, mentioning the reconstruction of a gurdwara, where the first Sikh Guru Nanak Dev had once halted, following damage caused by an earthquake. "Modi does not undertake such efforts for votes. My reverence for the sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus is genuine," he affirmed. Continuing his criticism of the opposition INDIA bloc, he remarked, "They lack both leadership and sincerity." He contrasted their agenda, which he claimed revolves around appeasing their vote bank, with the BJP's principle of 'sabka sath, sabka vikas' (inclusive growth for all).
Prime Minister Modi criticised the Congress party for opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, highlighting the persecution faced by Sikh families in countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh. He affirmed that his government's decision to grant them citizenship was not driven by vote bank politics. Addressing the farmers' issues, PM Modi accused the INDIA bloc of deceiving farmers, asserting that it is the BJP that prioritises the welfare of farmers. He pointed out that in the last decade, there was a record purchase of wheat and paddy from Punjab, and the Minimum Support Price (MSP) had increased two-and-a-half times during this period. Security measures were heightened after farmer groups called for a demonstration against PM Modi.
Image Source: Money Control
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