Modi Labels INDIA Bloc as a “Congregation of Scamsters”

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi characterized the INDIA bloc as a “congregation of scamsters,” accusing it of being intensely communal, casteist, and dynastic. During rallies in the Mahrajganj and Purvi Champaran Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar, Modi predicted a significant defeat for the opposition alliance, which he associated with corruption, appeasement politics, and an “anti-Sanatan” mentality, when the Lok Sabha election results are announced on June 4.

Campaign for a Third Term

Seeking a third consecutive term, Modi emphasized that he would leave no “inheritance” as he considered the people of India his only “successors.” He also criticized the former RJD-Congress administration for tarnishing the reputation of Bihar, the state that produced India’s first president, Rajendra Prasad. Modi recalled how Bihar in the 1990s became infamous for “extortion tax” and highlighted the NDA’s efforts to curb large-scale migration by boosting industrial and job opportunities in the state.

Criticism of the Nehru-Gandhi Family

Modi attacked the Nehru-Gandhi family, referring to them as the “Congress’ royal family,” for remaining silent on controversial comments made by their leaders and allies against Biharis in states like Punjab, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. He urged voters to see their vote as not just a selection of a local MP but a strengthening of the Prime Minister. Modi also claimed that Bihari migrants were treated well in Gujarat during his tenure as Chief Minister.

Indirect Attacks on Opposition Leaders

Modi indirectly criticized leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Tejashwi Yadav, describing them as having been “born with silver spoons.” He asserted that the nation could not progress with the “sins of the INDIA bloc,” which he said epitomized corruption, appeasement politics, and a mindset that scorned Sanatan Dharma. Modi predicted that the opposition alliance would suffer in the remaining phases of the elections, leading to a decisive outcome on June 4.

Allegations Against Opposition Parties

Modi accused the opposition alliance of appearing more like a gathering of corrupt individuals responsible for scandals worth Rs 20 lakh crore. He claimed that the parties within the alliance shared three common “evils”: they were all communal, casteist, and dynastic to an extreme degree. Modi also defended his government’s welfare schemes, alleging that his opponents, with their wealth hidden in Swiss banks, could not understand the plight of ordinary people.

Response to Criticism from Opposition

Referring to Tejashwi Yadav without naming him, Modi responded to comments about his health post-elections, mentioning other leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav who he said wished for his downfall. He criticized the INDIA bloc leaders for their insensitivity and privileged backgrounds. Modi expressed that the leaders were hurling “abuses and curses” at him as the election results day approached, unable to accept his potential re-election.

Reference to Gandhi and Lalu Prasad

Modi also referenced a feast that Rahul Gandhi had at Lalu Prasad’s residence, contrasting it with the leaders’ refusal to attend the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. He invoked Champaran as Mahatma Gandhi’s “karma bhoomi” and Gujarat as his own birthplace, alleging that the Congress had betrayed Gandhi’s ideals by focusing on a single family’s interests. Modi promised to accelerate progress in his next term, emphasizing welfare measures like providing toilets for women.

Addressing Young Supporters

At a rally in the Mahrajganj constituency, Modi expressed concern for young supporters climbing poles to see him. He urged them to climb down, emphasizing the country’s need for their youth and energy, and apologized if his admonition had hurt their feelings.