PM Modi's Last Rally For 2024 Lok Sabha Elections Mentions Support For Dalits, Criticises Congress; Here's What He Said

At his final Lok Sabha election rally in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur on Thursday (30 May), Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew comparisons between his government’s actions and the ideology of Guru Ravidas.

He also criticised the INDI Alliance, particularly Congress, for past constitutional violations during the Emergency and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as per a report by The Indian Express.

Modi accused Congress and the INDI Alliance of intending to take away reservations from SCs, STs, and OBCs to give them to Muslims, alleging they seek to divide the country based on religion.

Punjab is set to vote on 1 June in the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

Anita, the wife of Union minister Som Parkash, is the BJP candidate from Hoshiarpur, a reserved constituency with a significant Dalit population, predominantly Ravidassia and Valmiki communities.

Modi began his speech by honoring Goddesses Chintpurni and Nayanadevi and Guru Gobind Singh, referring to Hoshiarpur as “small Kashi.”

Highlighting his government's achievements, Modi stated that schemes providing free food, healthcare, housing, gas connections, and electricity have reached the poorest without discrimination, embodying Guru Ravidas’s ideals.

He also mentioned his efforts in Varanasi, the birthplace of Guru Ravidas, to ensure comfort for pilgrims.

Modi also spoke about his government's initiatives to honor Guru Ravidas, including the foundation stone of a memorial in Madhya Pradesh and promoting a site in Tughlakabad, Delhi, associated with the Guru.

Addressing the Valmiki and Sikh communities, Modi mentioned the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the naming of Ayodhya airport after Valmiki, and plans to name Adampur airport after Guru Ravidas.

He also highlighted his government’s respect for Sikh traditions, referencing the safe return of Sri Guru Granth Sahib copies from Afghanistan.

Modi criticised the Opposition, particularly Congress, for failing to secure Kartarpur Sahib during Partition and opposing the Ram temple's construction. He further accused them of damaging the Constitution during the Emergency and orchestrating the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Modi concluded by predicting a third consecutive term for his government, emphasising India’s growing global respect and urging voters to ensure a strong turnout in Punjab to support the BJP.