Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliance’s sweeping victory in Maharashtra as a resounding endorsement of the party’s governance model and a rejection of divisive and caste-based politics. Speaking at a celebratory gathering on Saturday, Modi took aim at the Congress, accusing it of spreading misinformation and prioritising family over national interests. He claimed the results reflected public confidence in the BJP’s approach to governance, development, and unity.

According to Modi, the Congress has repeatedly betrayed the ideals enshrined in the Constitution, fostering caste divisions and undermining national unity. He pointed to the Waqf Act, which his government seeks to amend, as an example of the Congress’ alleged “appeasement politics.” He asserted that such laws contradict the vision of India outlined by B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Constitution.

Maharashtra’s verdict: stability over division

Maharashtra’s electorate has reaffirmed the BJP’s leadership, giving the party and its allies a third consecutive term in the politically significant state. Modi highlighted that the alliance’s victory signals a rejection of the instability caused by past political alliances, specifically criticising Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), which had joined hands with the Congress following the 2019 assembly polls. The Shiv Sena faction’s betrayal, Modi suggested, had been decisively rejected by the people.

The prime minister took particular aim at the Congress’ election strategies, which he said relied on spreading “lies and deceit” and stoking fears about constitutional threats from the BJP. He said these tactics had backfired, with voters instead recognising the BJP’s track record of delivering governance and development.

Urban India backs BJP’s governance model

The BJP’s growing appeal among urban voters was a key talking point for Modi, who stressed the role of cities as engines of economic growth. He cited his government’s focus on urban infrastructure projects, including metro systems, electric buses, and highways, as examples of how urban areas are being transformed. He said the election results reflected a demand for modernisation and “ease of living,” which urban India increasingly associates with BJP leadership.

Maharashtra’s urban voters, Modi suggested, had endorsed the BJP’s agenda of development while rejecting the opposition’s efforts to stall progress. He argued that the BJP’s urban support represents a broader mandate for transforming Indian cities into hubs of global competitiveness.

Congress faces criticism for divisive politics

Modi did not hold back in his criticism of the Congress, accusing it of playing divisive politics and prioritising power over principles. He argued that the party’s focus on caste-based appeals had failed to resonate with voters, who instead backed the BJP’s promise of stability and progress. He also accused the Congress of supporting “urban naxalism,” claiming that such ideologies were being driven by external influences that harm national interests.

The Congress, Modi said, had underestimated the public’s preference for “nation first” politics, with voters rejecting attempts to create divisions within Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.

A mandate for unity and governance

Modi framed the BJP’s victory as a mandate for his vision of “vikas aur virasat” (development and heritage). He reiterated his stance on Jammu and Kashmir, rejecting any notion of restoring Article 370, which granted special status to the region before being abrogated in 2019. According to Modi, such attempts by the Congress and its allies amounted to an insult to the Constitution.

The prime minister concluded by emphasising the importance of unity, urging the public to adopt “ek hain to safe hain” (we are safe if united) as a guiding principle. He claimed the BJP-led alliance’s success was a victory for national unity and a rejection of divisive forces.

  Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress, Indian Politics, Maharashtra elections, Narendra Modi, Shiv Sena