PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a blistering attack on the opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc, saying their aim is to earn “commission” after coming to power whiletheBJP-ledNDAisworking with a “mission” to make India a developed nation. Addressing an election rally in Saharanpur, which goes to polls in the first phase of generalelectionsonApril 19,Modi said the opposition alliance was fighting just to stop the BJP from winning more than 370 seats. Hecorneredthe main opposition party Congress and the I.N.D.I.A. bloc on the issue of corruption. “During its rule, the Congress’ focus was on earning commissions. The INDI Alliance too aims to earn commission after coming to power but the NDA and Modi sarkar is on a mission.” “We are engaged in the mission of making India a developed nation. On the other hand,ouropponentsareyearning to get power.”

 

Theprimeministeralsotook adigattheCongressapparently for not yet naming its candidatesforRaeBareliandAmethi seats -- traditionally considered their bastions. “The Congress does not have the courage to field candidates even in those seats which are considered its stronghold,” he added. ModisaidtheCongressmanifesto carries a Muslim League imprint anda part of it is dominated by leftists. He said that the I.N.D.I.A. blochasbecome synonymous withinstabilityanduncertainty and the people of the country were not taking them seriously. He also said it is a misfortune that the opposition alliance is talking about“fighting against ‘shakti’”. “Worshippingshaktiisapart ofournaturalspiritualjourney. But, the people of the INDI Alliancesaytheirfightisagainst ‘shakti’,” Modi said, in a referencestoCongressleaderRahul Gandhi’s recent remakrs. GandhihadaccusedtheBJPof twisting his statement. He also said the BJP government has ended the practice of instant triple talaq. “We enacted a strong law in the interestofcroresofMuslimsisters, and re-established their families,” he said.

 

“I am seeing the first election in the country, where the oppositionisnot claiming victory, but is only contesting the elections,sothatthetallyofthe BJP can be kept below 370 andthose of the NDA fewer than400,” he said. Recalling his earlier visit toSaharanpur, Modi said he hadcome for an election rally 10years ago. “At that time, thecountry was going through aperiodofgreatdespairandcrisis.ThenIhadgivenyouaguaranteethatIwillnotletthecountry bow down, I will not let thecountry stop.” “I had taken a pledge thatwith your blessings,Iwill change every situation, everycircumstance, transformdespairinhope, andhope intoconfidence. You were generous in showering your blessing,andModididnotleaveanystone unturned in his hardwork,” he said.