In the heart of Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood before a sea of supporters, articulating his government’s stance against corruption and the closure of what he termed the ‘loot license’ of the Congress party.
“Post-independence, the Congress perceived they had carte blanche to exploit the nation,” Modi declared. “However, the 2014 ascendancy of our government revoked this so-called license. This revocation was possible because you, the people, empowered us to do so.”
The Prime Minister’s speech was a direct response to the opposition’s criticism and a reflection on his administration’s efforts to combat corruption. He emphasized that the closure of the Congress’s ‘shop’ was inevitable and rhetorically asked if the opposition’s criticism was justified.
Modi then shifted the focus to the people, whom he referred to as his ‘raksha kavach’ or protective shield. “Will they berate Modi? Of course, they will. But who is my protector? It is you, the crores of my countrymen, my mothers, and sisters, who today have become my armor,” he stated.
The rally, part of the BJP’s ‘Vijay Sankalp Sankhnad’ campaign, comes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, with Bastar going to polls on April 19. Modi’s speech also touched upon the Congress’ election manifesto, which he compared to the Muslim League’s, and criticized the opposition for declining the invitation to the idol consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The Prime Minister’s address in Bastar is a clear indication of the BJP’s campaign strategy, focusing on nationalistic themes and the promise of a corruption-free government. As the Lok Sabha elections approach, Modi’s words seem to be setting the tone for the BJP’s electoral pitch.
