Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks alleging that states under Congress rule become “ATMs” for the “Shahi Parivar” have sparked a political storm in Maharashtra. Modi, addressing a rally in Akola, accused the Congress of using Karnataka’s liquor funds to the tune of Rs 700 crore to finance Maharashtra’s assembly election campaign. “Wherever Congress forms government, that state becomes an ATM for the Congress’ royal family,” Modi said, referring to the Nehru-Gandhi family. He added, “These days, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana have become their ATMs.”
The comment has drawn sharp criticism from the Congress and its allies, particularly the Shiv Sena (UBT). Hitting back, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey described the BJP as “restless” after their lukewarm performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections, where the party won only 17 out of 48 seats in Maharashtra. “It is not just the Prime Minister but the Home Minister and UP CM are also at it. They are restless. Ever since they won only 17 of the 48 seats in Lok Sabha elections, they are restless and desperate to win the hearts and trust of the people,” Dubey remarked, attributing Modi’s recent statements to desperation.
Dubey further critiqued Modi’s remarks as “politics of convenience,” accusing him of catering to his “industrialist friends” while casting aspersions on the Congress. “When you give ATMs to your industrialist friends, do you not say anything before people?” he questioned. Dubey insisted that the people of Maharashtra, seeing through the BJP’s “words and deeds,” would support the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition of Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena in the upcoming assembly elections.
The assembly elections, slated for November 20, with vote counting on November 23, are shaping up to be a test of strength between the BJP and the Maha Vikas Aghadi. In the last two assembly elections, BJP emerged as the largest single party but faced challenges in forming stable governments. Modi emphasized that the Congress, along with its allies, has ignored the principles of the Constitution and the values upheld by Baba Saheb Ambedkar, claiming that this disregard could harm Maharashtra’s future.
With a legacy of accusations against each other’s governance, both parties are vying for public trust in Maharashtra. While the BJP aims to bolster its presence with the “ATM” narrative, the Maha Vikas Aghadi hopes to counteract by rallying voters to perceive these claims as desperate moves in a high-stakes election season.