Maharashtra election results: 'Ek hain...' is India's new mahamantra, says PM Modi

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi on Saturday celebrated BJP's spectacular win in Maharashtra as a triumph of his platform of unity, development and over INDIA bloc's politics of "divisiveness, negativity and deceit", as he sought to elevate his 'ek hain to safe hain' theme as the country's new "mahamantra".

"After Haryana, the biggest message of this election is unity. 'Ek hain to safe hain' has become the 'mahamantra' of the country," a triumphant Modi said while addressing a celebration at the BJP headquarters. While hailing BJP's landslide, Modi framed the Maharashtra result as a defeat of Congress's focus on caste and said it was the message of unity, which triumphed in the state. "It has taught a lesson to those who make people fight in the name of caste, religion, language and region," he said.

PM Modi said electoral victory in Maharashtra was not just for BJP but for a vision of India that prioritised unity and development. This victory, Modi said, was a clear rejection of Congress and "INDI alliance's" agenda, which he accused of dividing society.

Modi also took the opportunity to critique opposition's governance model, particularly focusing on Congress-led states. He cited examples like Karnataka, Telangana and Himachal where, he claimed, promises made by Congress were unfulfilled, drawing parallels to the electorate's disillusionment with such politics. "People of Maharashtra saw how Congress govts are betraying people," he said, positioning BJP's governance as a stark contrast.

The scale of BJP's win was unprecedented in Maharashtra, with Modi proudly declaring it "biggest victory for any party or pre-poll alliance in the state in the past 50 years". This wasn't just a political win but a mandate for BJP's continued governance, marking the third consecutive victory in the state, he added. "For the third time, BJP has emerged as the largest party in Maharashtra," he said.

He criticised Congress for its 'duplicity', especially concerning figures like Veer Savarkar, who, he said, was insulted and misrepresented by the rival for political gains. He said Maharashtra election had exposed the "double face of INDI-Aghadi".

Modi also touched upon the issue of urban Naxalism, labelling it as a new challenge, with its roots allegedly outside the country, and urged the youth to recognise this reality. The PM also reflected on the losses, like in Jharkhand, as a call for more dedicated effort in development.

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