NEW DELHI: In his first public address after violence against
migrant workers in his home state of
Gujarat, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi on Wednesday said "happiness prospers with sharing", a veiled message for the "affluent" states to share their prosperity with those in need.
His message to the people of states like Gujarat to be sensitive towards job-seekers was coupled with strong words against Congress which he alleged is pursuing the policy of "divide and rule".
"No division should happen in society. Congress has been a long time follower of divide and rule policy. They divide society just for the interest of one single family but BJP believes in welfare of all and unites society," Modi said while interacting with BJP booth workers from five Lok Sabha seats-Raipur, Mysore, Damoh, Karauli-Dholpur and Agra-through the
NaMo App.
While BJP has accused Congress leader Alpesh Thakore of inciting violence against migrant workers in Gujarat, Modi said "We don't spread hatred and divide the society. Our mantra is 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', but they (Congress) want to make themselves happy by dividing the society and spreading hatred." He was answering a question from BJP worker in Damoh.
The Prime Minister accused Congress of crafting "hatred"in a strategic way as he cited how Andhra Pradesh was divided for creation of Telangana which ended up with enmity among people of the same linguistic background. "Three states were divided smoothly when Atalji was Prime Minister but Congress divided Andhra Pradesh in such a way that both the states are suffering," Modi said.
Taking dig at first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru for showing India as a country of "snake-charmers", Modi accused Congress of shying away from showing the true culture of India.
"You must have seen picture of a Prime Minister with foreign guests watching snake-charmers' show.
We have to showcase the country's positives to the world and change that perception," he said, referring to a 1960 picture of Nehru with US first Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
Modi said he takes foreign dignitaries to see "Ganga Arti" in Varanasi, a metro ride or solar park in Mirzapur unlike Congress leaders, who used to feel ashamed of showcasing the Indian culture. Modi also mentioned about artistes from 150 nations singing "Vaishno Jan to tene kahiye" the favourite bhajan of Mahatma Gandhi, as part of his 150th birth anniversary celebrations.
Speaking about the opposition's attempts for a 'Mahagathbandhan,' the Prime Minister lashed out at these parties for compromising the country's interests for political power.