Amit Shah Targets MVA for Vote Bank Politics, Draws Contrast with Shivaji Maharaj’s Legacy
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing an election rally in Maharashtra, sharply criticized the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition for engaging in vote bank politics. He argued that the upcoming assembly election would be pivotal in deciding whether Maharashtra would continue on the path of the values upheld by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj or drift toward the legacy associated with Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.
In his speech, Shah told the crowd, “The vote you cast will decide whether Maharashtra follows the path of Shivaji Maharaj or that of Aurangzeb for the next five years. You must choose whether you want to stand with those who disrespect our traditions and culture or with those who revere and respect them.”
Shah went on to accuse MVA leaders of not respecting India’s religious and cultural heritage. He criticized their approach to Hinduism, stating that they had distanced themselves from core traditions. He contrasted this with the actions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, which he described as a reflection of respect for the country’s cultural and religious values. He also claimed that MVA leaders refrained from visiting Ayodhya out of fear of alienating their vote bank.
Additionally, Shah addressed the issue of Article 370, which had granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir before it was revoked in 2019. He criticized Congress for expressing concerns over its abrogation in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly. Shah reiterated the government’s position, stating that Article 370 would never be reinstated, reinforcing the idea that the decision was crucial for the full integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India.
Shah’s comments during the rally focused on positioning the BJP as the protector of national unity, Hindu traditions, and cultural values, while portraying the MVA alliance as aligned with divisive and appeasement politics. He called on voters to reject the MVA and support a future led by values embodied by leaders like Shivaji Maharaj.
