Shivamogga (Karnataka), March 18 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's "Shakti Elimination" remark, claiming it disrespected the "Nari Shakti" (women power) of India and Hindu Dharma.
He accused the INDIA Alliance of aiming to end the concept of 'Shakti' and emphasized his dedication to serving and empowering women in India.
"The I.N.D.IA alliance has proclaimed to end the concept of ‘Shakti’ that has not only disrespected the Hindu Dharma but the Nari Shakti of India," he said at a public rally ahead of Lok Sabha election here.
He said, "Modi is dedicated to serving and empowering the mothers, daughters and sisters of India."
The former Congress President had commented about Modi being a "mask" for a power ("shakti") during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Mumbai.
"Our fight against Modi is not on a personal level. Modi is a ‘mask’ who works for a ‘shakti’ (power). He is a shallow man who doesn’t have a 56-inch chest," he had said.
Modi also referenced the announcement made at Shivaji Park in Mumbai about eliminating "Shakti," suggesting it would have hurt the legacy of Bal Thackeray, a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics.

"When I heard the announcement to eliminate Shakti from Shivaji Park, I thought how it would have hurt Bal Thackeray’s soul. The announcement of eradicating Shakti was made at Shivaji Park where every child grows up with the Mantra of ‘Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji," he said.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister accused the Congress and the INDIA Alliance of relying on divisive politics, citing Congress leader DK Suresh's separatist remarks as an example. He said, "A Congress MP in Karnataka has made statements calling for a North-South Divide that showcases their divisive mentality.'
He highlighted the BJP's commitment to development, the welfare of the poor, and building a robust India, contrasting it with the alleged lack of vision and agenda from the opposition.
Modi said 'the unwavering support of Karnataka for the BJP has given the corruption-ridden I.N.D.I.A alliance sleepless nights and added that he is confident that the people of Karnataka will surely vote for the BJP to enable it to garner 400+ seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha election.'
Speaking on the priorities of the BJP, the PM said the party prioritizes development, Garib-Kalyan and an India with robust potential.
He also said the Congress and the I.N.D.I.A alliance possess no roadmap, agenda or vision for the development of India. On the other hand, the Congress relies on lies, and deceit and only wishes to make Karnataka an ATM of loot, he said.
The Prime Minister said 'Karnataka is a state where there is a CM in waiting, Super CM, Shadow CM, Future CM Aspirant and Collection Master to facilitate scams and loot. He mentioned that a direct impact of the same is being borne by the people of Karnataka.
Modi was referring to Randeep Singh Surjewala as Collection Minister.'
He emphasized the BJP's commitment to development, Garib-Kalyan (welfare of the poor), and building a robust India. He contrasted this with the lack of vision and agenda from Congress and the I.N.D.I.A alliance.
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he Prime Minister accused the Congress and the I.N.D.I.A alliance of corruption, deceit, and relying on divisive politics. He highlighted instances of alleged corruption and divisive statements made by members of the opposition, particularly in Karnataka.
Modi stressed the BJP's efforts to empower marginalized communities, including SC-ST-OBC and the Hakki-Pikki tribe. He mentioned initiatives like 'Operation Kaveri' for the safe evacuation of the Hakki-Pikki tribe and the election of two Presidents from the SC-ST community.
He highlighted various national achievements such as the Vande Bharat mission, digital payment system (UPI), infrastructure projects like underwater metro and green corridors, emphasizing the progress of 'New India.'
The PM discussed the importance of connectivity and infrastructure development, mentioning the connectivity of Shivamogga to other regions via national highways as an example of the government's priorities.
He thanked the people of Karnataka for their support and sought their blessings for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, expressing confidence in the BJP's ability to secure victory across the state's 28 seats.
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