PM Modi slams MVA, accuses Opposition of infighting and anti-reservation policies ahead of Maharashtra elections

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Dhule district of Maharashtra on Friday, launching a sharp critique of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance ahead of the state assembly elections. Modi referred to the MVA as a “vehicle with no wheels or brakes,” criticizing the ongoing infighting among its constituents — the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and the Indian National Congress. He stated that the alliance was riddled with internal conflicts and constant power struggles, particularly over leadership roles.

Modi’s comments highlighted the lack of unity within the MVA, pointing to the ongoing tensions over leadership positions within the coalition. He further explained that the infighting within the MVA had led to chaos, with no clear direction for the alliance, and referred to the coalition’s internal dynamics as a vehicle "with no wheels and no brakes." The Prime Minister also noted the lack of harmony between the different parties in the MVA, which has faced various disputes over the years, particularly concerning the leadership of the alliance.

The Prime Minister contrasted the MVA with the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, which he claimed had brought stability and development to Maharashtra. Modi emphasized that the Mahayuti coalition, consisting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies, was focused on the continued growth and progress of the state. He highlighted the development initiatives and infrastructure projects undertaken in the last two and a half years, asserting that these efforts would continue if the Mahayuti alliance remained in power after the November 20 elections.

PM Modi also criticized the historical policies of the Congress party, specifically the anti-reservation stance taken by former leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi. He accused Congress of targeting backward classes, OBCs, and tribal communities with policies that, according to him, hindered their progress. Modi claimed that these past decisions were detrimental to the advancement of these communities and argued that the Congress party had never supported the upliftment of marginalized sections of society.

In addition to his criticism of the Congress, PM Modi focused on the BJP’s commitment to women’s empowerment in Maharashtra. He announced that the Mahayuti government would recruit 25,000 women into the state police force to enhance women’s security and create more employment opportunities. Modi emphasized that ensuring the safety and well-being of women was a priority for his government, particularly in the context of rising concerns about women’s safety across the state.

PM Modi also criticized the MVA’s stance on the Ladki Bahin scheme, a financial assistance program aimed at supporting women in Maharashtra. He claimed that the opposition was planning to cancel the scheme, which the BJP sees as a significant welfare initiative for women in the state. Modi reiterated that the BJP was committed to ensuring the welfare of women and ensuring the continued success of initiatives like the Ladki Bahin scheme, which he claimed had benefitted many women in Maharashtra.