Modi plays 'Munde' card to woo voters in poll-bound Maharashtra

Modi kick started his poll-campaign in Maharashtra from Beed, a place from where deceased BJP leader Gopinath Munde used to stand.

Making a veiled attack against Shiv Sena, Modi said, “If (BJP leader from Beed) Gopinath Munde was still around, I wouldn't have been required to come to Maharashtra. I had full faith in him. He looked after the poor, those from backward communities and farmers. Maybe God wanted him more than I did.”

BJP and Shiv Sena snapped their ties last month thereby ending “Mahayuti” coalition of 25 years, owing to the fallout in seat-sharing deal in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly polls due this month.

But Modi on Saturday left no stone unturned tearing into rival Congress.

He said, “These people who have ruled for 60 years and have done nothing are asking me what I have done in 60 days. In 60 months, I will rid the nation of problems, I promise.”

Addressing a huge gathering, he asked, “What did you get in these 15 years? Did Maharashtra progress? Did farmers benefit? Did the youth benefit? Did Dalits benefit? Did tribals benefit? Did cities, villages benefit? Did women benefit?”

“These people aren't "rashtravadi" (nationalists), they are "Bhrashtacharvadi" (those who indulge in corruption) Do you need people who take away your land? Have to free the nation of such people,” he added.

Continuing with the attack, Modi said, “Amitabh hosts Kaun Banega Crorepati. The Maharashtra government used to play Kaun Banega Arabpati everyday. Congress asks what I have done. You tell me, Congress was in power for many years. "America mein kabhi Hindustan ka danka baja tha kya?" But it happened this time. Didn't the world look up and see? Didn't America pay attention?”

Urging voters to vote for his party, Modi said, “Have to ensure Maharashtra does better than Gujarat. I have come here to urge you to ensure BJP's victory.”

He tried to woo the voters by playing the saying, “Gopinath was my younger brother. (I am) appealing on his behalf, the country will only progress if Maharashtra progresses. Maharashtra will have to be saved. People of Maharashtra can speed up economic prosperity. China will make an industrial park in Maharashtra. Youth will get jobs. Japan will help with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail." 

"If we just put an end to corruption in Maharashtra, the state will progress. Maharashtra needs a BJP government,” he added.

Modi also said, “Maharashtra's dreams will be fulfilled. I'm here to assure you I will walk with you every step of the way. Let's vote in large numbers on the 15th (October). Let's think of Munde when we are voting.”