Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing the press conference at AB Vajpayee Bhawan in Guwahati, Assam, revealed the BJP’s internal assessment after two phases of voting, indicating that the Saffron Party and its allies have surpassed 100 seats.
Shah expressed confidence in the party’s trajectory, stating, “We are confident that with the support and blessings of people we are heading towards achieving our goal of 400 seats. Assam, Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand – in all these States it’s seen that we are achieving major political success. Along with these, the initial trend suggests in Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu BJP is getting good response.”
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Amit Shah criticised Congress for distorting BJP’s electoral goals, stating, “Congress has been twisting the BJP’s goal of 400 seats, claiming it’s aimed at changing the Constitution of Bharat. They’re also spreading misinformation that BJP will abolish the reservation system after crossing 400 seats. Both claims are baseless.” Shah emphasised that unlike Congress, BJP has never abused its full majority to curtail democracy, citing examples of extending emergency periods by Congress Government. Rather, BJP focussed on legislative changes reflecting Indian values, culture and tradition.
Shah reaffirmed BJP’s commitment to marginalised communities, saying, “BJP is a supporter of ST, SC, OBC and will always protect their interests, as reiterated by PM Narendra Modi.” He accused Congress of robbing reservations, citing instances in United Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka where reservation policies were altered to include Muslims, resulting in the reduction of opportunities for other backward classes. Shah emphasized that religious-based reservations are unconstitutional and pledged that BJP, upon assuming power, would ensure justice for SC, ST, and OBC communities.
Amit Shah highlighted, “Congress has resorted to creating doctored videos, including ones featuring myself and other BJP leaders, out of sheer irritation and frustration. Fortunately, the original footage was available, revealing the truth of my statements, leading to criminal charges against Congress leaders. Since Rahul Gandhi assumed leadership of the Grand Old Party, politics has reached a new low. Congress consistently disrupts proceedings in the Lok Sabha and boycotts discussions in the Rajya Sabha under his guidance. No major party in Indian political history has stooped to the level of creating fake videos and spreading misinformation among the public. I urge everyone to prioritise disseminating accurate information. Elections should be contested based on manifestos and truth. I will present the original video and subsequently address any queries.”
When questioned about reports suggesting Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi’s decision not to contest from their traditional seats of Amethi and Rae Bareli respectively, Amit Shah expressed uncertainty about these claims, stating, “I am not aware of this, and I cannot confirm the authenticity of such media reports.” Shah then speculated, “I believe they opted out of their traditional seats due to a lack of confidence.”
Regarding Congress’s inclusion of the personal law board in their manifesto, Shah remarked, “Congress seeks to cling to its dwindling support base through appeasement politics. The Constitution of Bharat stipulates that when the need arises, the government should introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), also known as the Common Civil Code. It’s worth noting that most members, who made this decision, were from Congress at that time. Laws based on religion are unconstitutional, and BJP strongly condemns them. We are committed to implementing the UCC nationwide.”
Regarding the BJP ally JDS leader Prajwal Revanna’s sex video case, Amit Shah expressed, “This issue is unacceptable. We have reiterated that BJP and PM Narendra Modi stand in solidarity with the country’s ‘matru shakti’ (women power), and we cannot tolerate such behaviour. However, this falls under the jurisdiction of the State, and Congress is in power. Why haven’t they taken action? We advocate for a thorough investigation. JDS is scheduled to suspend him from the party on April 30. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) established to probe the sex scandal has begun its work. BJP condemns any act that undermines the dignity of women. There should be no ambiguity on this matter.”
“In their desperate bid to win the election, the Congress party seems to have abandoned rationality. They should focus on providing opportunities based on professional merit,” Shah commented regarding the issue of Muslim reservation in public works contracts and skill development activities.
Responding to reporters’ inquiries about Muslim support for the BJP in Assam and his observations in the constituencies he campaigned in, Amit Shah emphasised, “We should not view people through the lens of majority and minority. CM Himanta Sarma’s initiatives, such as bringing a semiconductor unit to Assam, have generated considerable enthusiasm among the youth. Since Narendra Modi became PM, peace has prevailed here. Himanta Biswa Sarma has effectively implemented centrally-sponsored schemes at the grassroots level and resolved numerous cases of land grabbing. Due to the developmental efforts in Assam, the people are showing their support for us. We are confident of winning 12 seats and possibly even exceeding this number.”
Addressing BJP’s stance on Congress’ appeasement policy and accusations of seeking votes in the name of Ram, Amit Shah clarified, “We have never sought votes in the name of Ram. Our emphasis lies in highlighting the construction of the Ram Temple during our tenure. We are pointing out that Opposition parties, out of fear of losing minority votes, boycotted the Pran Pratistha ceremony. Since 1989, our manifesto has consistently included the lawful construction of the Ram Temple. Now that the Ram Temple has been built, there is no need for us to reiterate this in our manifesto.”
When questioned about Digvijay Singh’s accusation of Amit Shah wishing for the former’s death and Sunita Kejriwal’s allegation of BJP plotting to kill Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Amit Shah responded, “The jail administration falls under the purview of the Delhi Government. Does this imply that his government or the jail administration is attempting to harm him? Nevertheless, if Arvind Kejriwal’s wife (Sunita Kejriwal) submits a written complaint, we will certainly investigate and take appropriate action.”
Responding to a journalist’s assertion about BJP gaining more votes due to people’s dissatisfaction with Congress, Amit Shah clarified, “This is not a result of negative voting; rather, it is indicative of the positive vote bank BJP has cultivated through the developmental efforts of both PM Narendra Modi and CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.”
