Modi accuses hidden forces of sowing unrest as opposition sharpens critique ahead of Delhi rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused unnamed elements of seeking to stir unrest nationwide to damage his reputation as opposition parties ramped up criticism of his government and the Election Commission before the INDIA bloc rally in New Delhi on Sunday. Speaking in Bhildi village, Banaskantha district of Gujarat after launching several local projects, Modi pledged to serve the nation until his last breath, a line seen as a reply to Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s “Modi ka baap bhi jayega” remark in Patna. He said every farmer, youth, woman and daughter is moving forward, but a few people enjoy seeing the country in trouble. Referring to the war in West Asia, Modi warned that false rumours about fertilizer shortages and gas supply were being spread to create panic. He noted that despite global fertilizer price hikes, the government has kept supplies steady for farmers and assured no shortage for households. In Lucknow, Union Home Minister Amit Shah invited the opposition, including the Congress and Samajwadi Party, to raise their Election Commission concerns in a special parliamentary session. Shah likened the opposition’s tactic to a losing sports team blaming the umpire and said the opposition refuses to let Parliament function, calling their protests a “mock Parliament”. He also promised that if the BJP returns to power in Uttar Pradesh next year, the Uniform Civil Code will be introduced in the state. Along the Prime Minister’s roadshow, supporters carried signs reading “Modi kahin nahin jayega”.

Context

The INDIA bloc is a coalition of several opposition parties planning a large rally in Delhi. The Uniform Civil Code aims to create a single set of personal laws for all citizens. The conflict in West Asia has pushed global fertilizer prices higher, prompting concerns in India.