Modi criticizes 'India' coalition; Rahul Gandhi mocks underwater prayer

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the "India" coalition during the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, slamming Rahul Gandhi for disparaging his underwater prayer at Dwaraka and undermining Sanathana Dharma for political gain. Speaking at an election rally in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, Modi accused the coalition of harboring animosity towards Sanatana Dharma, alleging that leaders like Rahul Gandhi are forsaking age-old beliefs for votes.

In response, Rahul Gandhi mocked Modi for neglecting crucial national issues and instead focusing on underwater prayers. Modi retorted, asserting that the 'India' coalition's disdain for Sanathana Dharma is evident, and leaders like Rahul are abandoning longstanding faith traditions for electoral advantage.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Modi's version of Hinduism, accusing it of perpetuating caste discrimination. He raised concerns over the non-invitation of the country's first lady President Draupadi Murmu and former President Ram Nath Kovind, both Dalits, to the Prana Pratishta ceremony and the inauguration of the new Parliament. Kharge also questioned whether the BJP would accept his visit to the Ram temple.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the historical neglect of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes by previous governments in the name of social justice. He emphasized the BJP government's commitment to realizing the vision of social reformers Jyotiba Phule, BR Ambedkar and Chaudhary Charan Singh. Mocking Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, Modi remarked on the rejection of the "Do Shehzade ki Jodi" (pair of two princes) by the people. Addressing an election rally in Uttar Pradesh's Amroha constituency, he criticized their reliance on dynastic politics, corruption and favouritism to win votes.