New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) during a public rally in Patiala, Punjab. He praised the people of Punjab for their significant contribution to the country’s development from agriculture to industry. However, he expressed concern over the current situation in the state and blamed rampant corruption for the state’s problems. He pointed to the prevalence of drug trafficking, uncontrolled activities of shooter gangs and the debt crisis of the state government. Modi criticized the state’s Chief Minister and called him a mere figurehead who is too busy following the instructions of the Delhi administration.
Modi accused the alliance leaders of neglecting national development, religious values and security. He stressed that if Congress had not obstructed it, the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya would have been done long ago. He said that now that the temple has been completed, these leaders have refused to participate in the consecration ceremony.
Exuberant atmosphere at the rally in Patiala! There is great support for the NDA across Punjab. https://t.co/7FHLEkOwaB
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2024
On the subject of citizenship, Modi emphasised his government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers, highlighting record wheat and rice procurement from Punjab in the last decade and a 2.5-fold increase in the minimum support price (MSP). He underlined the importance of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in granting Indian citizenship to Dalit and Sikh refugees affected by Partition, and criticised the opposition’s stand against the CAA.
Modi also revisited the historical context of the Kartarpur Sahib issue and regretted that during the Bangladesh Liberation War, despite the surrender of over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers, the then leader failed to secure Kartarpur Sahib. He confidently said that if he had been in power at that time, he would have ensured its acquisition. Nevertheless, he took pride in facilitating access to Kartarpur Sahib during his tenure.
The Prime Minister highlighted his administration’s efforts to support the Sikh community, such as exempting langar (community kitchens) from taxes and amending rules to allow foreign donations to Sri Harmandir Sahib. He noted the establishment of Veer Bal Diwas to honor the bravery and martyrdom of Sahibzadas, the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, which reflects his government’s respect for Sikh heritage and valor.