Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Wednesday, said that Congress, the grand old party of India, lost its direction soon after independence and currently it had become leaderless as well.

Addressing a press conference at his official residence here on Wednesday before embarking on his tour to Maharashtra, Chief Minister Yogi expressed concern over the detrimental consequences of this lack of direction, noting instances where certain Congress leaders disparaged India’s civilisation, culture and Sanatan Dharma through malicious remarks.

He particularly recalled an incident during the United Progressive Alliance government when a senior Congress leader and former Union home minister attempted to denigrate India’s Sanatan culture by coining the term ‘saffron terrorism’.

Yogi Adityanath further asserted that the policies of the Congress have contributed to the proliferation of Naxalism and terrorism within the nation.

The chief minister said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, significant strides have been made in resolving the challenges of terrorism and Naxalism. Moreover, extremism and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as unrest in the Northeast, have been effectively contained.”

He highlighted, “During the UPA government, approximately 115-120 districts across 17 states were grappling with Naxalite violence. This led to widespread disorder and instability in the country.”

Attributing this to Congress’ lack of resolve in combating terrorism, Naxalism and extremism, he added that there has been notable progress in this regard in the last 10 years, with Naxalism now confined to only a few districts in select states.

He expressed optimism that with continued efforts, Naxalism will soon be eradicated from those remaining areas.

Chief Minister Yogi said, “There have been significant strides in enhancing national security over the past decade. Under the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Article 370, the root cause of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated. This step seamlessly integrated Jammu and Kashmir into the nation’s developmental mainstream. Similarly, efforts to quell extremism and unrest in the Northeast have successfully brought these regions into the national fold.”

He contrasted this with the terror attacks and Naxal ambush during the previous Congress administration, which he accused of disparaging India’s timeless civilisation and culture. However, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India is now gaining global respect while the national pride stands restored, he stated.

The chief minister said, “Congress is jeopardising the nation’s security through malicious attempts to defame Sanatanis, exploit them, and foster caste divisions.”

He noted a widespread shift in public sentiment, with people increasingly rallying behind the committed leadership of Prime Minister Modi under the banner of ‘Ek Baar Phir Modi Sarkar’.

He confidently predicted that when the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are unveiled on June 4, Prime Minister Modi will secure a commanding victory, marking the beginning of his third term.

This upcoming term, he asserted, will be pivotal for India’s progress, encompassing prosperity, security, self-reliance and development, serving as a source of pride for every Indian.

Responding to a query, Chief Minister Yogi remarked that Congress strategy of appeasing Muslims had contributed to the country’s partition. He argued that this exemplified how Congress leadership had become subservient to individuals responsible for the partition, who denigrated India’s timeless culture and traditions. These individuals, he suggested, consistently disparaged India and its essence, causing irreparable harm.

Yogi further criticised Congress for continuously undermining India while aligning itself with those who sought to undermine the nation.

Before departing for his tour of Maharashtra on Wednesday, Chief Minister Yogi said, “The nationalist sentiment prevailing among the people of Maharashtra indicates a solid inclination to grant Prime Minister Modi a third term.”

He underscored that the National Democratic Alliance, under the leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party, is contesting nationwide elections, with Modi as its guiding force.

There is palpable optimism among the general populace regarding the remarkable strides made under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in bolstering security, enhancing national prestige, promoting development, and implementing welfare programs for the disadvantaged, he remarked.

Both BJP and NDA candidates are reaping the benefits of this pro-Modi sentiment, he stated.

Maharashtra, with its rich history encompassing figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sahu Ji Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, Savitri Bai Phule, Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, and Veer Savarkar, has traditionally served as a beacon for national progress, he added.

Chief Minister Yogi expressed his belief that the BJP and NDA are also receiving the goodwill and support of the people of Maharashtra.