Ask opposition not to drag me into caste politics: PM

Kannauj/Hardoi/Sitapur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday slammed the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh, saying the tie-up of “opportunists” wants a helpless government because its mantra is “jaat, paat japna; janata ka maal apna”.
Modi addressed election rallies in Kannauj (a SP stronghold), Hardoi and Sitapur, a day after filing his nomination from the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat for a second term.

Dubbing the alliance as “mahamilavati (highly adulterated) opportunists”, Modi said in Kannauj that he doesn’t believe in caste politics.

Later in Hardoi, he slammed the Congress, blaming it for showing scant regard for Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar and pointed out that his government has dedicated cashless payments app BHIM in his name.

In Sitapur, Modi appealed to voters to support the BJP and said, “Your every single vote will directly come into the account of Modi.”

“Mayawatiji (BSP chief ), I am most backward...I request with folded hands not to drag me into caste politics; 130 crore people are my family,” he said in his first rally of the day in Kannauj.

“This country didn’t know my caste till my detractors abused me...I am thankful to Mayawatiji, Akhileshji (SP chief ), Congress people and the mahamilavatis that they are discussing my caste...I believe that taking birth in a backward caste is an opportunity to serve the country,” the PM said.

He hit out at the opposition for attacking “chowkidars” (watchmen) and Ram bhakts, and alleged that the alliance wanted a helpless government because their mantra was “jaat, paat japna; janata ka maal apna” (Talk about caste while looting people’s money).

“They (opposition) want a government at the Centre which is majboor (helpless) not majboot (strong) as it used to do before 2014,” he said.

Modi alleged that when opposition parties are on the verge of defeat they hit new lows in using abusive language.

“Whatever efforts you (opposition) make, it will be...” he said, following which the crowd shouted “Modi again”.

He ridiculed opposition leaders for their “dream” of becoming PM and poked fun at Mayawati for seeking support of SP “only for the sake of power”.