Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering attack on the Opposition during an election rally in Bihar’s Patliputra, reaffirming his commitment to safeguarding the reservation benefits for the SC/ST/OBC communities as guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. Modi criticized the INDIA bloc, suggesting they could cater to their vote bank if they wished, but he remained steadfast in his support for reservation.
“I am assuring Bihar, the SC/ST/OBC communities, as long as Modi is alive, their rights will be protected. For me, the Constitution is paramount, Babasaheb Ambedkar’s sentiments are paramount… If the INDIA bloc chooses to prioritize their vote bank, that’s their choice… even if they engage in dance, I will uphold SC/ST/OBC reservation staunchly,” he declared.
Modi accused the Congress of altering laws related to minority institutions to appease their vote bank, resulting in numerous institutions being labeled as minority institutions, thus reducing SC/ST/OBC reservation benefits.
“The RJD-Congress alliance aims to offer reservation to their vote bank based on religion, contravening our Constitution which prohibits religious-based reservation,” Modi stated.
He also mocked Lalu Yadav’s RJD, likening their lantern symbol to outdated technology, contrasting it with modern LED bulbs, and implying that RJD’s governance has plunged Bihar into darkness.
Earlier, Modi faced criticism for suggesting that the Congress would redistribute the country’s wealth among families with many children. However, he clarified in an interview that his statement wasn’t aimed at any specific community and emphasized his commitment to non-communal politics.
Despite various predictions, including those by poll pundits like Prashant Kishor and Yogendra Yadav, suggesting BJP’s victory in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Modi remained focused on his campaign.