Union Health Minister and BJP President JP Nadda recently accused Congress of promoting “urban Naxal forces” in India. He also claimed that Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray had aligned himself with Congress. “Congress is promoting urban Naxal forces in the country, and Uddhav Thackeray—the son of Hindu Hriday Samrat, Balasaheb Thackeray—has joined hands with Congress,” Nadda said.
Criticism of Rahul Gandhi’s “Mohabbat Ki Dukaan”
During his speech in Mumbai, Nadda took aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his “Mohabbat Ki Dukaan” (Shop of Love). He criticized it for spreading division in the country. He called on people to support the BJP in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections on November 20. “Batware ka saman is sold in Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Mohabbat ki Dukan’… Such people need to be answered… For a healthy nation, a healthy antibiotic is needed from time to time. And you have to give an antibiotic on the 20th of November,” he added.
BJP’s Goal to Transform India’s Political Culture
Nadda then emphasized that the BJP, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, isn’t focused on merely gaining power. Instead, he said the party aims to transform India’s political culture. “The aim of BJP and PM Modi is not simply to attain power, but rather to transform India’s political culture,” Nadda explained. He pointed out that politics in India used to be driven by vote-bank politics, nepotism, and corruption. However, under Modi, the focus has shifted to development, accountability, and transparency, with pro-poor governance at the forefront.
Focus on Inclusivity and Empowerment
Nadda also highlighted the BJP government’s approach to social and financial inclusivity. “Modi government has focused on fostering both social and financial inclusivity,” he said. Unlike other parties, the BJP doesn’t just give out money but empowers the poor to become self-reliant and improve their futures.
Campaigning Heats Up Ahead of Maharashtra Elections
As the Maharashtra Assembly elections near, political campaigning is gaining momentum. The opposition MVA coalition, consisting of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (SCP), is looking to regain power. They are up against the Mahayuti alliance, which includes Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, the BJP, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP. The elections will be held on November 20, and votes will be counted on November 23.
A Look at Past Election Results
In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress bagged 44 seats. In the 2014 elections, the BJP claimed 122 seats, Shiv Sena won 63, and Congress got 42.