Gathbandhan not against me, but Indians, says PM Modi
What's the story
A war-of-words ensued on Saturday between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the numerous opposition leaders who participated in United India rally. While the opposition leaders berated the government in Kolkata, West Bengal, PM Modi slammed them in Gujarat. At the Vibrant Gujarat summit, PM Modi said the gathbandhan was not against him but against the people of India. Here's more on what he said.
What he said
Steps taken on corruption infuriated many: PM Modi
Addressing a gathering in Silvassa, PM Modi said the steps he took to curb corruption infuriated many. "It's but natural for them to get angry as I've prevented them from looting public money. Consequently, they have now formed an alliance called Mahagathbandhan," he added. He claimed while the alliance only wants to benefit itself, he worked for the benefit of people in the country.
Democracy
PM Modi hits out at Mamata Banerjee for 'crushing democracy'
In an apparent hint to Mamata Banerjee's decision against BJP's rath yatra in the state, PM Modi said it was quite ironical that those who crushed democracy in their own state were now speaking of saving democracy. BJP has only one MLA in the West Bengal state assembly and PM Modi said this gave them sleepless nights. "They are shouting bachao bachao," he said.
Projects
PM Modi tells what has been done since 2014
PM Modi laid the foundation stone for various development projects and listed what his government has done since it came to power. "In the last three years, investment worth around Rs. 9,000 crore has been done in both UTs," he said and added new policies have been introduced to promote industries. He added, "Boosting 'Make in India' in the defense sector is our endeavor."
Rally
Backstory: Political leaders came together in Kolkata
The rally at Brigade Ground in Kolkata was attended by political bigwigs from across the country. The idea is to show opposition is united against the BJP and will fight tooth and nail in the upcoming general elections. Politicians like HD Deve Gowda, Omar Abdullah, Akhilesh Yadav, Mallikarjun Kharge, Arvind Kejriwal, Chandrababu Naidu, MK Stalin, and Babulal Marandi attended the rally.
Accusations
Opposition leaders don't want BJP to return to power
The opposition leaders made it clear their goal was to stop BJP from winning Lok Sabha. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said if BJP wins again, then PM Modi and BJP President Amit Shah will rule like German dictator Adolf Hitler. Answering the question of who is the leader of the opposition, Mamata Didi said everyone is a leader and a worker among them.