New Delhi: The ruling BJP seems to have shuddered at the prospect concerned over a new front of opposition unity ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly lashing out at the Opposition alliance called 'INDIA,' labelling it as the most directionless opposition.
PM Modi is reported to have invoked reviled names such as the British East India Company, the Indian Mujahideen, and the Popular Front of India, aiming to equate them with the newly formed opposition alliance, stating that the name INDIA does not make any difference.
Modi, who was addressing BJP MPs for the first time during the Monsoon Session, said the opposition giving their alliance the name was an attempt to mislead the people and asked his party workers to get ready for another term in power at the Centre.
Meanwhile, the opposition slammed PM Modi for his dead silence over the violence in Manipur, saying he is evading for not being caught up with questions on the Manipur violence.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge responded to the Prime Minister's comments by tweeting, "While we are discussing Manipur, the Prime Minister is referring to 'INDIA' as 'East India Company' outside the House! The Congress party has always stood with 'Mother India,' i.e., 'Bharat Mata.' The BJP's political ancestors were the slaves of the British. Prime Minister Modi, refrain from diverting the country's attention with your rhetoric. Address the issues of Manipur in Parliament, and avoid undermining the dignity of the Prime Minister's office by targeting India, i.e., Bharat."
Reacting to PM Modi’s comparison of the Opposition alliance name INDIA to terror outfits, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted that violence-hit Manipur will be rebuilt with love and peace.
In response to the Prime Minister's criticism, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "Mr Modi, feel free to call us whatever you like. We are proud to be INDIA. Our commitment remains unwavering as we work to heal Manipur and bring comfort to every woman and child. Love and peace will be restored for all its people, and we will rebuild the idea of India in Manipur."
The Congress's official Twitter handle also chimed in, stating, "Modi ji, say what you may, but we are INDIA. Manipur needs our help and love. We will reaffirm the values of INDIA in Manipur, wiping away the tears of every mother and child. Love will once again fill the hearts of the people in Manipur, as we teach them to love."
Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra condemned Modi’s comparison as shameful. In a video message posted on the official Twitter page of the Trinamool Congress party, she said that BJP’s central government days are numbered. “May I remind you Mr. Prime Minister, the Opposition has more combined vote share than the BJP. People are realising what a dangerous choice they made between the soul of India and the BJP,” she said.
Multiple sources present at the BJP parliamentary party meeting said Modi was severe in his criticism of the opposition amid the continuing logjam in Parliament and also sounded confident of the ruling dispensation retaining power at the Centre for a third term after the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
The opposition has sunk deep in despair and is directionless, he said, according to Union minister Pralhad Joshi.
Its conduct suggests that it has reconciled to remain in opposition for a long time, Modi said.
Joshi told reporters that Modi likened the current atmosphere in and about India to a “new dawn”, noting the mood of optimism and hope about the country globally.
The Indian economy has grown to be the fifth largest from 10 under his government and will be the third biggest in its third term, the prime minister said, asking his party leaders to work with resolve and determination to help develop the country.
With opposition parties rallying around the name ‘INDIA’ for their alliance, the prime minister cited the history of several organisations, including some banned extremist and terror outfits using the country’s name, and panned the grouping as a collection of corrupt leaders and parties.
Even the Indian National Congress, the main opposition party, was named so by an Englishman A O Hume, he said, according to sources.
Organisations which wanted to rule and break the country, which wanted to divide it have used names like ‘India’ and ‘Indian’ to mislead people, he added.
People have now matured and will not be misled by such nomenclature, he asserted.
With the BJP accusing opposition parties of disrupting Parliament, Modi said they have come more irresponsible, making it imperative for the ruling party to behave more responsibly.
The opposition has been demanding that Modi make a statement on the Manipur issue in Parliament first before a debate on the matter can be taken up.
The BJP has insisted that it is willing for a discussion and Home Minister Amit Shah will reply to it, asking the opposition to not set any precondition.
In his address, Modi also referred to the recent meeting of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. The alliance is the legacy of BJP stalwarts like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L K Advani, he said, emphasising maintaining strong and cordial ties with allies.
He also asked party leaders to organise several programmes, including ‘har ghar tiranga’, in connection with Independence Day on August 15 across the country.
There is also a plan to make an ‘Amrit Van’ (Amrit forest) by bringing plants from blocks across the country, party leaders said.