Shinde Slams Congress Leaders Over Attacks on PM Modi

Mumbai, October 27: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress leadership, questioning its criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and government policies. He also expressed support for senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan, who had objected to a remark by party president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Shinde said that if Kharge's statement was wrong, the Congress should expel him from the party. He described Chavan, a former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, as a sensible leader and said Chavan's criticism of Kharge was justified.

Chavan had earlier disagreed with the Congress national president, stating that Kharge had made a mistake and should not have made such a remark.

Speaking to reporters, Shinde said, “Prithviraj Chavan is a very sensible leader. He has been Chief Minister of Maharashtra, which is why he said Kharge's statement was wrong. Kharge should be removed from the party. If his views were wrong, the party should throw him out.”

Shinde accused the Congress of making derogatory and objectionable allegations against the Prime Minister. He said the party's remarks were of a low standard and should cause shame. According to him, the Prime Minister is leading the country forward and supporting the poor, and the Congress is distressed by this progress. He said the party was restless for power, comparing its condition to a fish struggling without water.

He also turned his attention to Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, accusing him of discrediting the Prime Minister in India and abroad. Shinde alleged that such actions were spreading disorder and aimed at creating instability and breaking the nation.

“Rahul Gandhi goes abroad and defames the Prime Minister, and he does the same within the country,” Shinde said. “These people want India to become like Bangladesh, Nepal or Sri Lanka.”

Shinde argued that India is strong and capable of meeting external threats. He said the country had transformed under the present government and was now a New India, not a Bangladesh, Nepal or Sri Lanka. He added that Indian soldiers now respond firmly to Pakistan.

He also issued a warning to those he accused of trying to divide the country, saying the people of India would hold them accountable. “The 140 crore people of India will teach a lesson to those who intend to break the nation,” he said.