Wardha (Maharashtra): Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress party of "insulting" the nation with remarks made by its leaders during foreign visits, indirectly targeting Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for his recent criticism of the central government during a US visit. Speaking at the National PM Vishwakarma Programme in Wardha, Maharashtra, PM Modi said, "The spirit of patriotism has died in today's Congress. The ghost of hatred has entered today's Congress. Look at the language they use abroad, their anti-national agenda, talking about dividing society and insulting the country's culture. This is the Congress run by the 'Tukde Tukde Gang' and 'Urban Naxals.' They even have issues with Ganesh Puja. We saw how the Congress government in Karnataka put the Ganesh idol in a police van."

He further accused the Congress of dishonesty, adding, "Congress means lies, deception, and dishonesty. They promised to waive farmers' loans in Telangana, but now farmers are left wandering to get their loans waived. Today, Congress is not what it used to be. It is the most dishonest and corrupt party in the country. If there is any corrupt family, it is the royal family of Congress."

The Prime Minister also claimed that the Congress party "deliberately" prevented vulnerable groups like SCs, STs, and OBCs from progressing, asserting that the NDA government has eliminated this "anti-backward" mindset. "Congress and its allies did not let SC, ST, and OBC people move forward. We have erased this anti-Dalit, anti-backward thinking from the government system. Last year's data shows that SC, ST, and OBC communities are benefiting from the Vishwakarma Yojana," he said.

Turning to the situation in Maharashtra, PM Modi criticized the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi government and earlier Congress administrations for pushing cotton farmers into "misery." He stated, "Instead of empowering Maharashtra's cotton farmers, they were pushed into hardship by Congress and the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, which indulged in corruption while doing politics in the name of farmers. When Devendra Fadnavis's government was formed in 2014, work began on the textile park in Amravati."

PM Modi also highlighted the PM Mega Integrated Textiles Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park in Amravati, saying it would help revive India's textile industry on the global stage. "The foundation stone of PM Mitra Park has been laid in Amravati. India is working to elevate its textile industry in the global market. The goal is to restore the thousands-of-years-old glory of India's textile sector," he added.

Congratulating the beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, PM Modi described the scheme as a roadmap for utilizing India's ancient skills to develop the nation. He emphasized, "Vishwakarma Yojana is not just a government program. Its essence is respect, strength, and prosperity – respect for traditional skills, empowerment of artisans, and prosperity for Vishwakarma brothers. This is our goal."

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who also spoke at the event, expressed confidence in India's rise as a global superpower under PM Modi's leadership. "Under Modi ji, the dream of 140 crore Indians to make India a superpower will be realized. The 21st century is India's century, and with Modi Sahab as the leader, we believe this will happen," Shinde said.

The event marked the one-year anniversary of the National PM Vishwakarma Programme, where PM Modi also visited an exhibition and interacted with beneficiaries. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary were present. During the programme, the Prime Minister distributed certificates and loans to 18 PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries, covering 18 different trades. He also released a commemorative stamp celebrating one year of progress under the scheme.

Additionally, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the 1,000-acre PM MITRA Park, which is being developed by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). He also launched the "Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Startup Scheme," offering financial support up to Rs 25 lakh to women-led startups in Maharashtra. (ANI)