PM Modi Claims Congress Sought 15% Budget Allocation for Muslims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during an election rally in Pimpalgaon Baswant, Nashik district, made a significant statement regarding the allocation of government budget based on religious lines. He alleged that the Congress party, during its tenure, had proposed to allocate 15 per cent of the total government budget for Muslims. This claim was made in the context of supporting Mahayuti candidates, including Union minister Bharati Pawar (BJP) and Hemant Godse (Shiv Sena).

Modi emphasized that such a division of budget or reservation in jobs and education on the basis of religion is perilous. He reiterated his stance against religion-based reservation, invoking Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's principles. Ambedkar, recognized as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, was firmly against any form of religion-based quota in jobs and education.

The Prime Minister recounted his experience as the Chief Minister of Gujarat when he claimed to have encountered a similar proposal from the Congress. According to him, the BJP's strong opposition was pivotal in preventing the implementation of this proposal. Modi accused the Congress of attempting to undermine the reservation rights of SCs/STs/OBCs by reallocating them to Muslims.

Further, Modi declared himself as the 'chowkidar' (watchman) of the rights of deprived sections of society, vowing never to let Congress infringe upon these rights. He highlighted his government's achievements over the last decade, including providing free ration, water, electricity, houses, and gas connections without discrimination based on religion.

Without directly naming NCP SP president Sharad Pawar, Modi hinted at internal discussions within opposition parties about potential mergers to strengthen their stand against the BJP. He also touched upon the ideological differences between his party and what he referred to as the "duplicate Shiv Sena", aligning his vision with that of Balasaheb Thackeray regarding the construction of a grand Ram mandir in Ayodhya and the abolition of Article 370.

The Prime Minister's statements come at a crucial time as Lok Sabha polls loom, framing the election as a choice between a prime minister who makes strong decisions for the country and opposition parties with differing priorities. Modi's remarks have set a clear narrative for his campaign, focusing on national unity over religious division and emphasizing development for all segments of society.