Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole’s controversial statement regarding the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, questioning whether such individuals have a place in Indian politics. PM Modi addressed a rally in Bargarh, highlighting Congress’s alleged insult to President Droupadi Murmu and accusing the party of seeking to alter the Constitution.
PM Modi accused Congress of attempting to undermine the reservation rights of SCs, STs, and OBCs for political gain. He criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, referring to him as “Shehzada,” accusing him of disrespecting the Constitution during the Manmohan Singh era.
In addition to his criticism of Congress, PM Modi launched a scathing attack on Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and the BJD government, claiming they have failed to address the state’s developmental issues despite being in power for 24 years. He accused the BJD of outsourcing governance and claimed that an unelected “Super CM” was running the state.
Nana Patole’s statement about purifying the Ram Temple sparked controversy, with PM Modi reminding the audience of his own involvement in the temple’s inauguration. The upcoming Odisha elections were also highlighted, with PM Modi declaring June 4 as the “expiry date” for the BJD government.
The state is gearing up for Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in four phases from May 13 to June 1, with vote counting slated for June 4. In the previous elections, the BJD secured a majority in the Assembly, while the BJP made gains in the Lok Sabha, with the Congress trailing behind.