'They Put Ganesha In Jail...': PM Narendra Modi Lashes Out At Congress Amid Ganesh Puja Row

PM Narendra Modi at the PM Vishwakarma programme, in Wardha, on Friday. (PTI)

“The Congress has always disrespected our tradition. They even went as far as putting Lord Ganesha in jail. This shows their disdain for our cultural and religious practices," said PM Narendra Modi in Wardha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Wardha on Friday, launched a scathing attack on the Congress, accusing it of disrespecting the faith, culture and tradition of the nation.

Speaking at a public rally, Modi spoke about an incident where the Congress allegedly opposed the celebration of Ganeshotsav, a festival deeply rooted in Maharashtra’s culture.

“The Congress has always disrespected our tradition. They even went as far as putting Lord Ganesha in jail. This shows their disdain for our cultural and religious practices. The Congress has a long history of supporting urban Naxalism and dividing the country through their corrupt practices.”

He further added that the party is run by the “tukde-tukde gang” (forces that seek to divide the country) and urban Naxalites, accusing them of working against the unity and integrity of India.

‘WHEN I TOOK PART…’

The PM touched upon the historic significance of Ganeshotsav, a festival started by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak during India’s freedom struggle to unite people. Modi highlighted how this festival has always symbolised unity and strength, especially in Maharashtra. He pointed out that instead of honouring this heritage, the Congress had shown disdain for it.

Modi referred to a recent incident where he participated in a Ganesh Chaturthi programme, claiming that it led to the Congress’s discomfort. “When I took part in the event, the Congress couldn’t handle it. Their obsession with appeasement woke up. They even opposed a simple event of Ganesh puja,” he said.

The PM accused the Congress of using appeasement politics to undermine Hindu traditions and practices for electoral gains.

‘CONGRESSS IS MOST DISHONEST & CORRUPT PARTY’

Modi said that during a Ganesh Utsav in the state, the Congress had opposed the festival so strongly that they allegedly had the idol taken by police and placed in a station. “In Karnataka, they opposed Ganeshotsav to such an extent that the police had to take the Ganesh idol away in a police van and put it in jail,” Modi remarked, underscoring his point about the party’s opposition to Hindu festivals.

The Prime Minister did not hold back from accusing the Congress of corruption as well. He called the party the most dishonest and corrupt in the country, adding that its leadership, including the “royal family” of the Congress, is recognised as the most corrupt in India. Modi claimed that Congress’s lack of respect for India’s traditions goes hand in hand with its corrupt practices, and that they do not care for the sentiments of the common people.

Modi’s statements were a part of a broader narrative he has built over time, accusing the Congress of being disconnected from India’s cultural roots.