PM Modi accuses INDIA bloc of getting support from Pakistan and jihadis

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the INDI Alliance of getting support from Pakistan and jihadis, stating that prayers were being held in Pakistan for the Samajwadi Party and Congress, who were appealing for "vote jihad" in the country.

He further said that the INDIA bloc was abusing him for "opposing reservation on the basis of religion".

"In Pakistan, 'duas' (prayers) are being made for the INDI alliance of Samajwadi Party and Congress. Jihadis from across borders are supporting SP and Congress; these parties are appealing for 'vote jihad' here," PM Modi said on Sunday (May 26) while addressing a rally in Bansgaon.

The Indian prime minister then highlighted the opposition's stance on Article 370 and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and said, "The INDI alliance says they will reinstate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and repeal the CAA, which grants citizenship to refugees. This is exactly what anti-India forces want; why does the INDI bloc want the same?"

He alleged that the grand old party obstructed the progress of India's defence sector and said that the Congress created roadblocks for countries who wished to purchase the BrahMos missiles.

"It won't be long before BrahMos missiles are manufactured in UP. The BrahMos missile is in demand worldwide, but Congress created roadblocks for countries wanting to purchase it. The INDI bloc doesn't want India to become self-reliant in defence or to export weapons; they prefer foreign arms deals that bring them commissions. Under the rule of the previous governments, the farmers here suffered a lot, most of the sugar mills were closed, and farmers had stopped cultivating sugarcane. Our government is also filling these potholes of SP," he said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh by securing 62 out of 80 seats.

The saffron party was followed by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) with 10 seats, the Samajwadi Party (SP) with five seats, and the Apna Dal with twoseats.

(With inputs from agencies)