Prime Minister Narendra Modi weighed in on the ongoing ‘Shakti’ controversy, alleging that the Congress and DMK, allies in the INDIA bloc, have a tendency to denigrate the Hindu religion. Speaking at a rally in Tamil Nadu’s Salem, PM Modi criticised the Opposition alliance, asserting they refrain from criticising other religions but readily disparage Hinduism.
“The INDIA alliance, consisting of Congress and DMK, deliberately insults Hindu Dharma. Every statement against Hindu Dharma is carefully crafted. Congress-DMK INDIA alliance never speaks against other religions. However, they waste no time in denigrating Hindu Dharma,” PM Modi stated emphatically.
He condemned the alliance’s purported intentions to dismantle ‘Shakti’, referring to revered female deities like Mariamman, Kanchi Kamakshi, and Madurai Meenakshi in Tamil Nadu. PM Modi underscored the significance of ‘Shakti’ in Hinduism, representing women’s power and maternal strength, and criticised the Opposition for threatening to undermine it.
Asserting the electorate’s support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu, PM Modi accused the DMK and Congress of perpetuating corruption and dynastic rule. He likened their partnership to hindrances to progress, alleging that the country prospered with their decline at the national level.
Highlighting the alleged mistreatment of late former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa by the DMK, PM Modi portrayed the alliance’s attitude towards women as disrespectful and regressive.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come in response to Rahul Gandhi’s recent ‘Shakti’ remark, where he questioned the integrity of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and criticised the Central Government’s control over autonomous institutions. Gandhi’s statement drew a sharp rebuke from PM Modi, who accused him of distorting the meaning of ‘Shakti’ for political gain.
