PM Modi Warns Against MVA Return in Maharashtra, Highlights BJP's Development Efforts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Maha Vikas Agadhi alliance, warning of potential water crises if they return to power in Maharashtra. He praised the ruling coalition for infrastructure developments and renaming Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, citing loyalty to Balasaheb Thackeray's vision ahead of November elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has alleged that the return of the Maha Vikas Agadhi (MVA) alliance to power in Maharashtra would spell an era of droughts and water shortages for the state. Addressing a rally in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar district, Modi criticized the MVA, claiming they would make residents "beg for every drop of water."

The rally, held ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls on November 20, saw Modi being joined by NDA leaders, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale. The Prime Minister accused the MVA of failing to address long-standing issues, such as the water crisis in Marathwada, which he said had only seen tangible efforts to combat under his administration.

Additionally, Modi highlighted the MVA's failure to rename Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, a move he attributed to political cowardice and pressure from the Congress despite Balasaheb Thackeray's long-standing demands. The Eknath Shinde-led government accomplished the renaming in 2022 shortly after taking office.

He charged that the Congress party opposed this change and even attempted legal action to reverse it. Modi contrasted this inaction by emphasizing the current government's developmental endeavors, including major infrastructure projects like the Samruddhi Mahamarg and Palki Highway, aiming to boost connectivity and celebrate heritage.

The Samruddhi Mahamarg, also known as the Mumbai-Nagpur Highway, is a monumental 701 km road venture that links Nagpur and Mumbai, directly impacting regions like Marathwada and Vidarbha. Meanwhile, the newly constructed Palkhi Highway, meant to facilitate an annual pilgrimage, complements these modern infrastructure efforts.

With the Maharashtra Assembly elections looming, both the ruling Mahayuti and opposition MVA have intensified their campaigns to garner support from voters. The elections for all 288 assembly seats are scheduled for a single phase on November 20, with results to be announced on November 23.

(With inputs from agencies.)