PM Modi Silent on Shiv Sena in Maharashtra Poll Campaign

Mumbai/Beed, Maharashtra: On a campaign blitzkrieg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed three rallies in Maharashtra on Saturday where he attacked the alliance of Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which ruled Maharashtra for 15 years.

"After Uttar Pradesh, maximum number of communal riots happened in Maharashtra. Who is responsible for these? Those who ruled for 15 years failed to relate with people," Mr Modi said at an election rally in Mumbai. (Also read: Congress Has Ruined a Whole Generation: PM Modi in Maharashtra)

"While Amitabh Bachchan hosts Kaun Banega Crorepati show, the Maharashtra government used to play Kaun Banega Arabpati every day," the Prime Minister added.

Targeting NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Mr Modi said, "A state where so many farmers commit suicide and their leader is union minister for agriculture." He also said, "A contest of 'who will criticise Modi more' is going on within Congress these days. If someone hurls two allegations against me, other person hurls three." (Also read: PM Modi Addresses Election Rally at Mumbai: Highlights)

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Urging voters to elect a stable government led by the BJP, the Prime Minister said, "Mumbai is a mini-India... our mantra is Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. We want to take everyone together and work for development. And the mantra has become so famous that Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas is resonating in America too."

Mr Modi also addressed a rally in Beed, the constituency of late BJP leader Gopinath Munde, where he attacked the ruling alliance and asked people to vote for the BJP. "What did you get in these 15 years? Did Maharashtra progress? Did farmers benefit? Did the youth benefit? Did Dalits benefit? Did cities and villages benefit? Did women benefit? In 15 years, they have ruined a whole generation," Mr Modi said.

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"Let's vote in large numbers and let's remember Gopinath ji while voting. Let's vote for BJP and make the Lotus bloom," he added.

However, in his speeches in Maharashtra on Saturday, Mr Modi refrained from talking about the Shiv Sena, with whom his BJP parted ways after 25 years over seat-sharing for the forthcoming assembly polls. (Also read: Teach 'Big Four' a Lesson in Maharashtra Assembly Polls: Raj Thackeray Tells Voters)

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Earlier, starting his campaign in Haryana's Karnal, the PM said, "I want you to vote for the BJP so that it forms the government with full majority. Change is important if you want to move forward. Make Haryana free from the Congress' misrule".

Mr Modi will address 8-10 rallies in Haryana and two dozen rallies in Maharashtra over the next 10 days. (Also read: PM Narendra Modi Kickstarts BJP's Election Campaign in Maharashtra, Haryana)

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Both states go to polls on October 15; counting will be held on October 19. (Also read: War of Words in Maharashtra as Polls Loom)