BJP's growth will rile Opposition: PM Modi

NEW DELHI: Cautioning BJP leaders and workers not to get complacent as there is a view that “no one can defeat” the party in 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday attacked the Opposition for its “badshahi” mindset and for insulting the poor and backward classes. Addressing BJP members at the party’s 44th foundation day celebrations, Modi said those fighting an “existential battle” had become “desperate” after the exposure of their corruption and were, therefore, conspiring against his government, that was committed to taking tough steps to rid India of corruption, nepotism and law and order challenges. Cautioning BJP members, who listened to his nearly 50-minute address at over 10 lakh locations, Modi said: “Despite being the world’s biggest political party, we don’t have to be complacent. We have to fight every poll with the same hard work that we have put in since the time of the Jan Sangh.” In an apparent reference to the BJP’s ongoing campaign highlighting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi “insult” of the OBC community, Modi attacked those with a “badshahi” mindset for insulting the poor and backward since the party stormed to power in 2014 and accused them of treating people like slaves for decades after Independence.