Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing election rally in Gondia, Maharashtra, on Sunday. (Press Trust of India)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today explained his continued silence on the Shiv Sena, saying it was "out of respect" for the late Balasaheb Thackeray.
"This is the first election in Balasahab's absence. I will not say a word against Shiv Sena, it is my tribute to Balasahab Thackeray," PM Modi said at his first rally of the day at Tasgaon in Maharashtra's Sangli district.
On Saturday too, while addressing three rallies in the state, Mr Modi had made no reference to the Sena. But his response today was an arch reference to the recent criticism by Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, who had blamed the "new generation of leaders" for the split with the BJP.
Also, Mr Thackeray's son Aditya Thackeray had said that the BJP had back-stabbed Balasaheb by breaking ties with the Sena. (
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But the Prime Minister also repeatedly underscored that the era of alliances was over and the people should give a clear mandate to the BJP - as in the Lok Sabha elections.
"Never let a coalition government rule Maharashtra. If you want Maharashtra to progress, give us full majority," he said again at his rally in Gondia. (
Highlights of PM Modi's Speech in Gondia)
It was the second day of his direct attack on NCP chief Sharad Pawar, claiming that not only did he lack the character to imbibe the qualities of Chhatrapati Shivaji, as the UPA's agriculture minister, he did nothing about the farmers' suicides in the country. (
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Mr Pawar's NCP has been accused of being in talks with the BJP - and hence breaking the 15-year-old alliance with the Congress. Even Mr Uddhav Thackeray had referred to the rumours, and said he was awaiting developments on the issue.
Today, squarely taking on Mr Pawar, the Prime Minister said, "Sharad Pawar ji, you were a Chief Minister and also an agriculture minister in the UPA government. What have you done for the people here? Could you even provide water?"
"Both Congress and NCP have destroyed Maharashtra. Both are equally to blame and both will be equally punished," he said.
In contrast, the PM pointed out that now, the inflation rate has come down for the first time in five years and cited reduction in petrol and diesel prices as important work done by his government.