"Congress, INDI alliance is anti-development and anti-farmer...": PM Modi in Maharashtra

Wardha (Maharashtra) [India], April 19 : Calling the Congress and INDIA bloc "anti-development and anti-farmer," Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the INDIA bloc struggles with a lack of substantial issues and accused it to resorting to a "politics of insults".
Addressing a public meeting in Wardha, Maharashtra, PM Modi said, "In contrast to the BJP's development agenda, the INDI Alliance struggles with a lack of substantial issues, resorting to a politics of insults. Inviting leaders opposed to Sanatan principles, they boycott events like the Ayodhya Ram Temple inauguration. However, their denial contradicts the nation's deep devotion on such occasions, revealing the true face of the INDI Alliance."
He further said that under the NDA government, rapid progress is underway, notably with the imminent completion of the Lower Wardha and Lower Pedhi Irrigation Projects, which promise to be a lifeline for farmers.
"Before 2014, there was a perception that nothing good can happen in the country. There was disappointment everywhere. Villagers thought that water, roads, and electricity could never reach their village...'Jisko kisi ne nahi poocha, usko gareeb ke iss bete ne puja hai'," he said.
PM Modi further asserted that the condition of farmers in the country has remained so bad for decades.
"A stone laid in the family's name remained unfinished for generations, causing suffering in Vidarbha under Congress rule. Today, our government prioritizes Vidarbha's needs, with Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar committed to serving you all," the PM further mentioned.
He regarded Wardha as the land of a great confluence of spirituality and patriotism.
"Your presence today in such a large number is proof that the target of 'Viksit Maharashtra' and 'Viksit Bharat' is not too far. Bapu envisioned this dream pre-independence. Today, as the nation takes decisive strides, Wardha's blessings are crucial. Your(people) overwhelming presence, and the strong backing from Wardha and Amravati, signify that the aim of a developed Maharashtra and India is within reach. Maharashtra echoes today: 'Phir Ek Baar, Modi Sarkar!'", the PM added with confidence.
"We have separately identified the oranges of Amravati and turmeric of Wardha under ODOP (One District One Product) so that the farmers here can benefit from it. For financial assistance to farmers, money from PM Kisan Samman Nidhi is also being sent directly into the accounts," PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister asserted that the Congress party is aware that they will not be able to win in these elections.
"The Congress party is aware that they will not be able to win in these elections. Congress Prince is threatening dire consequences following the results of the elections. Their mindset of imposing Emergency hasn't changed. However, the country has made up its mind!" he said.
PM Modi encouraged the people to ensure a resounding victory for the BJP by casting record-breaking votes.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra, which has 48 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha, is polling in five seats today. The polling is held in Chandrapur, Bhandara-Gondiya, Gadchiroli-Chimur, Ramtek and Nagpur on Friday.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 23 out of 25 seats it contested in alliance with the undivided Shiv Sena. Elections to the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra will be held in five phases. The counting of votes will be held on June 4.