Prime Minister Narendra Modi vehemently rebutted Congress' accusations that BJP would alter the constitution if re-elected, criticising the opposition party for comments made by its south Goa candidate regarding constitutional provisions following the state's liberation in 1961. Modi labelled this as a disrespect to India's constitution and to Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Speaking at a rally, PM Modi mocked Congress, asserting that "appeasement and vote bank politics are ingrained in the Congress' DNA." 

"I humbly seek your abundant blessings. While our nation has made significant strides in the past decade, there's still much to be accomplished. Regrettably, the previous administration in Chhattisgarh obstructed my efforts here. With Vishnu Deo Sai now present, I'm committed to fulfilling those pending tasks as well." 

PM Modi also highlighted Congress MP DK Suresh's reported remarks in February about the potential proposal of a separate nation for southern states if they don't receive their fair share of taxes from the Centre. Additionally, he referenced reports of comments by Captain Viriato Fernandes, a Congress candidate from South Goa, suggesting that the Indian Constitution was imposed on Goans following liberation from Portuguese rule in 1961. 

"Congress is now engaged in yet another significant ploy. Firstly, a Congress MP from Karnataka suggested the declaration of South India as a separate country, and now the Congress candidate from Goa is asserting that the country's constitution doesn't apply to Goa, stating it was imposed upon them. He even shared this sentiment with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. This implies tacit approval from the leader. It's a calculated attempt to destabilize the nation, an affront to India's Constitution, and to Baba Saheb Ambedkar." 

At a corner meeting in South Goa, Fernandes recalled a conversation with Rahul Gandhi regarding 'dual citizenship' prior to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, mentioning that Rahul Gandhi had indicated that the demand would not be entertained if it went against the constitution. The Congress candidate also highlighted Goa's unique historical context, stating that Goa wasn't part of India when the constitution was enacted, underscoring the complexities surrounding the region's integration. 

"Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant strongly criticised the remarks made by the Congress's South Goa candidate regarding the Indian Constitution. He expressed his dismay at the candidate's assertion that the constitution was forcibly imposed on Goans. Sawant emphasised that Goa's freedom fighters staunchly believed in the inseparability of Goa from India and criticised Congress for delaying Goa's liberation by 14 years. He urged Congress to cease its reckless 'Bharat Todo' (Break India) politics immediately, stating that Congress poses a threat to our democracy. Sawant's statement was posted on X." 

In his address, PM Modi addressed allegations from Congress leaders suggesting that the BJP would alter the constitution if re-elected, firmly asserting that no one has the power to change the constitution. He also highlighted the government's decision to revoke Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, stating, "Some people in Jammu and Kashmir used to claim that the Constitution of India wouldn't apply here. Thanks to your support, today Baba Saheb's Constitution has been extended to Jammu and Kashmir." 

PM Modi criticised Congress for its tendency towards appeasement and vote bank politics, remarking that even if it meant depriving the rights of Dalits, backward classes, and tribals, Congress wouldn't hesitate to do so in pursuit of appeasement. 

Lok Sabha elections are taking place in Chhattisgarh across three phases. Polling for one parliamentary seat occurred on April 19, while voting for the remaining 10 seats is scheduled for April 26 and May 7. 

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Chhattisgarh, the BJP secured nine out of the 11 Lok Sabha seats, with the Congress winning two seats. This year, the Lok Sabha elections are being conducted from April 19 to June 1. 

Image Source: Republic TV