Maharashtra – Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a strong attack on the Congress party in a rally in Akola on Saturday, just before the Maharashtra assembly elections. He accused Congress of treating states it governs like "ATMs" to support the party’s "royal family."
“Wherever a Congress government is formed, the state becomes the ATM of the party’s royal family. We won’t let Maharashtra become the ATM of the Congress,” Modi said, criticizing the party’s approach to governance.
Modi also targeted Congress’s commitment to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy. He challenged the party to show if they have ever visited the five important sites related to Ambedkar’s life, known as the "panchteerth." These include his birthplace in Mhow, his residence in London, Deeksha Bhoomi in Nagpur (where he embraced Buddhism), Mahaparinirvan Sthal in Delhi (where he passed away), and Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai (his memorial).
His remarks are aimed at gaining support from Dalit communities in Maharashtra, where Ambedkar’s legacy holds great importance. The comments also reflect the rising political tension between the BJP and Congress as the election approaches.