On the first day of Navratri, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress, accusing it of obstructing the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya and disrespecting Lord Ram by declining an invitation to the ‘Pran Pratishta’ ceremony.

Speaking at an election rally in Pilibhit, Modi criticised the Congress for being mired in appeasement politics, stating it could never emerge from this quagmire.

He condemned the Congress for its attempts to impede the construction of the Ram temple, highlighting the contributions of the public towards the temple’s construction and expressing disappointment at the rejection of the invitation to the consecration ceremony.

Modi asserted that every Indian family contributed to the temple’s construction out of devotion, emphasising the communal harmony displayed by the nation. “Just to appease a section of the society, the Congress stayed away from ‘Pran Pratishtha’,” Modi said.

In a tribute to former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh’s dedication to the Ram temple cause, Modi praised his unwavering commitment.

Singh, a key figure in the Ram mandir agitation, was the chief minister during the demolition of the Babri mosque in 1992. He was even jailed for a day.

Continuing his tirade against the Congress, Modi accused the party of being deeply entrenched in appeasement politics, likening its manifesto to that of the Muslim League. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to fostering India’s development, highlighting India’s resilience and determination in the face of global challenges.

Modi emphasised India’s unwavering determination and resilience in overcoming obstacles amidst global adversities. He attributed the nation’s success to the collective support of its citizens, underscoring the pivotal role of every vote cast.

“No challenge is insurmountable for India’s resolve. Our nation has consistently proven its capability to achieve ambitious goals,” PM Modi said, highlighting the relentless pursuit of a developed India fueled by inspiration and vigour.

Against the backdrop of global trials, Modi praised India’s pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the nation emerged as a global provider of essential medicines. He reminisced about India’s remarkable milestones, from its meteoric economic growth to Chandrayaan’s historic feat of unfurling the tricolour on the lunar surface, evoking national pride.

Modi juxtaposed India’s previous reliance on international assistance under the Congress government with its current stature as a beacon of self-reliance and innovation, epitomised by hosting the acclaimed G20 summit.

He underscored the significance of a robust India, asserting that global recognition follows national strength.

As Uttar Pradesh braces for the first phase of Lok Sabha polls on April 19, Modi’s address resonated with constituents across eight parliamentary constituencies, including Saharanpur, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, and Pilibhit, emphasising the nation’s enduring spirit amid electoral fervour.

As the rally began, there was anticipation about the presence of Varun Gandhi on the dais along with PM Modi. His supporters initially indicated that he would attend the PM’s election rally, but later decided to stay away.

Varun Gandhi is a sitting MP from Pilibhit but has been denied the ticket. In his place, UP’s PWD Minister Jitin Prasada is contesting the election. Incidentally, Santosh Gangwar, the MP from Bareilly who also has been denied a ticket this time, was present at the dais. Varun Gandhi had also skipped the chief minister’s meeting last week.