BHUBANESWAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday likened the Congress to the British colonial rulers, accusing them of adopting a "divide and rule" strategy. He further alleged that both the British and the Congress have had issues with the celebration of Ganesh Utsav.
Modi’s remarks came amidst a recent controversy surrounding his attendance at a Ganesh puja hosted by Chief Justice of India, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud.
“Ganesh Utsav is not just a festival of faith for our country. It played a pivotal role during India’s independence struggle. The British, who thrived on their 'divide and rule' policy, were irked by Ganesh Utsav, as it united people across caste lines. Even today, those trying to divide Indian society have a problem with Ganesh Puja. The Congress and their ecosystem are agitated because I attended the Ganpati puja,” said Modi, while addressing an event in Bhubaneswar.
In a more pointed accusation, the Prime Minister criticised the Congress-led government in Karnataka, alleging that they disrespected Lord Ganesh.
“In Karnataka, where the Congress is in power, they committed an even greater sin. They put Lord Ganesh's idol behind bars. This has disturbed the entire nation. We cannot allow such hateful elements to gain ground," he added.
The Prime Minister underscored that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre had completed its first 100 days of governance in its third term. He pointed to significant milestones achieved during this period, including initiatives aimed at empowering the poor, farmers, youth, and women. "Today marks the 100th day of the NDA government. In this short time, we have taken big decisions for the upliftment of the vulnerable sections of society," he said.
The Prime Minister also spoke about Hyderabad Liberation Day, commemorating the freedom of Hyderabad from the Nizam’s rule on September 17, 1948. “Hyderabad Mukti Diwas is not just a historical date. It serves as an inspiration for us. At the time of independence, opportunists were eager to break India into pieces for power, but Sardar Patel united the country and crushed the anti-India extremist forces in Hyderabad,” he stated.
He urged the nation to remain vigilant against modern day challenges that could push the country backwards.
During the event, Modi laid the foundation stones for several developmental projects in Odisha worth Rs 3,800 crore. He also launched and dedicated various projects to the nation, including releasing the first instalment of financial assistance to nearly 10 lakh beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) across 14 states. The Griha Pravesh (housewarming) ceremonies for 26 lakh beneficiaries of PMAY (both rural and urban) took place during the programme.
