'Pak gung-ho about Congress-NC manifesto': PM Modi targets Rahul in J&K rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (September 19) launched a scathing attack on the Congress-National Conference alliance following remarks by Pakistan's Defence Minister regarding Article 370 and accused the coalition of pursuing the neighbouring country's agenda.

Addressing a rally at Katra in Jammu region, Modi claimed that Pakistan's agenda fosters violence and unrest. The prime minister asserted that Article 370 cannot be reinstated in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasising that “no power on Earth can bring back Article 370”.

His attack came after Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif revealed that his country, the National Conference (NC) and the Congress are on same page on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir's special status and the restoration of statehood.

Need to be cautious

“You must stay vigilant. You have to be cautious. Every vote for the Congress facilitates the implementation of the manifestos of the National Conference and the PDP. What are they announcing? They will restore Article 370 and bring back the era of violence and bloodshed. Maybe there is no enthusiasm about the alliance of the National Conference and Congress here, but the neighbouring country is very excited.”

“Unki balle balle Pakistan mein ho rahi hai (They are being celebrated in Pakistan),” Modi declared at his Katra rally. The prime minister pointed out Pakistan's open support for Congress and NC, and said, “Nobody talks about them here, but they are in currency there. Pakistan is happy with their manifesto. Pakistan's defence minister has openly supported the Congress and the National Conference.”

“He said the agenda of the National Conference and the Congress on Article 370 and 35-A is the same as that of Pakistan. This is what their ministers are saying,” he said.

Congress-NC exposed

Modi said Pakistan itself has exposed the NC and the Congress, showing that the two parties want to implement the bordering country's agenda here. “The agenda of Pakistan, which has destroyed generations and bled us in Jammu and Kashmir, is being implemented by these people here. The Congress and the NC have worked in a direction for decades that suited Pakistan,” he said.

Addressing his second rally of the day in support of BJP candidates in the newly formed Shri Vaishnodevi constituency in Reasi district, Modi emphasised the BJP's commitment to national development, urging voters to support a government dedicated to this cause.

“For the BJP, there is nothing as big as the country. Our priority is the development of the country. You have to vote for a government here that is committed to its promises,” he added.

‘Congress insulting Hindu gods’

Asking people to cast their votes wisely in the ongoing Assembly polls that are “linked to the future of Jammu and Kashmir”, Modi said the voters should ensure the sunset of the politics practised by the Congress, NC and PDP, which have “inflicted wounds” in the region for years together.

The prime minister also accused the Congress leadership of insulting Hindu gods and goddesses under a “well-thought-out conspiracy” and due to a “Naxal mindset”. Referring to Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi's recent visit to the United States, Modi said, "What does the heir of the Congress say on foreign land? You might have heard him saying that our devi, devtas are not gods. There is a tradition of praying to devi, devtas in our villages. We are believers. But these Congress people say they are not gods. Are you satisfied with his words? Is this not an insult to our gods? Should they not be punished for this?" He alleged that Congress leaders say such things intentionally.

The prime minister reiterated that his government will restore statehood in Jammu and Kashmir and also asserted that terrorism and separatism, which have weakened after the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, will be completely wiped out from the region.

Time to vote for future

“This election is for choosing the future of Jammu and Kashmir. This election is meant to take the new Jammu and Kashmir to new heights of development,” he said.

On restoration of statehood, Modi said, “From the foothills of Vaishno Devi, I am promising that statehood will be returned to Jammu and Kashmir. Not that I am saying this at a poll rally, but we have announced this in Parliament.”

(With agency inputs)