Union Minister Nitin Gadkari launched a sharp attack on the Congress party on Saturday, accusing it of deliberately instilling fear among minority communities and peddling a "false narrative" to mislead voters. The senior BJP leader made these remarks while campaigning for the upcoming Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections, specifically targeting the political discourse in North Nagpur.
Accusations of Polarization and Fear Politics
Addressing an election gathering in the Nari area, Gadkari claimed the Congress was attempting to polarize society by falsely portraying the BJP as anti-Muslim, anti-Buddhist, and casteist. He cited specific allegations being circulated. "They tell Muslims that BJP will send them to Pakistan, and they will be safe only if they vote for Congress," Gadkari stated, dismissing these charges as "completely false and politically motivated."
In a clear clarification of his party's position, the Union Minister sought to draw a distinction. "The BJP is against Pakistan and terrorists, not against Muslims," he asserted. He emphasized that equating Indian Muslims with terrorism was incorrect and harmful. "Muslims who are Indian citizens and patriots are an integral part of this country," Gadkari said, urging the electorate to reject politics based on fear and instead support a governance model focused on development and civic improvement.
Countering Claims on Constitutional Changes
Gadkari also took aim at the Congress's campaign rhetoric surrounding the Indian Constitution. He accused the opposition of deliberately creating confusion after failing to challenge the BJP on the development front. "When they cannot speak about development, they try to confuse people," he remarked.
Labeling the allegations that the BJP plans to alter the Constitution as "baseless," Gadkari pointed to historical precedent. He noted that Congress-led central governments had amended the Constitution 80 times in the past. He alleged that the issue was being raised now solely to generate anxiety among voters for electoral gain.
Contrasting Governance and Appealing for Development
The minister referenced local voting patterns, telling BJP workers that while he led in five Assembly segments during the recent parliamentary elections, he trailed in North Nagpur against Congress rival and MLA Vikas Thakre. "Even then, I ensured concrete roads in this area," he stated, a comment that drew applause from supporters, framing it as evidence of his commitment to development regardless of political support.
Gadkari went on to ridicule the past governance style of the Congress and the undivided NCP, particularly in the education sector. Mimicking opposition leaders, he quipped, "Half the teacher's salary for you, half for us — that was the Congress-NCP job guarantee in every village during their rule."
Framing the civic elections as a critical choice between two paths, Gadkari appealed to Nagpur's voters. He asked them not to be misled by what he called "manufactured narratives" aimed at dividing communities. He concluded that Nagpur's progress hinged on stable leadership and policies centered on infrastructure, civic services, and inclusive growth, rather than tactics designed to split society for electoral advantages.
