The political heat is on in Madhya Pradesh as Congress plans a major rally in Jabalpur on May 31, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s women’s empowerment event in Bhopal. This sets the stage for a direct contest between the two parties.
Congress to Hold Rally in Jabalpur
The Congress party will organize a rally under its ‘Jai Hind Sabha’ campaign in Jabalpur on the same day as PM Modi’s event in Bhopal. Key leaders like former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath and ex-Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel will speak at the rally.
The Jai Hind Sabhas are part of a nationwide effort by Congress to honor the bravery of the Indian armed forces during Operation Sindoor—India’s response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. This Congress event is seen as a counter to BJP’s recent Tiranga Yatras, which also celebrated the armed forces’ valor and Operation Sindoor’s success.
Congress emphasizes Jabalpur’s significance, home to major army bases and ordnance factories, highlighting the city’s role in the military’s achievements against Pakistan.
Congress Highlights BJP Controversies
Congress leaders plan to draw attention to Prime Minister Modi’s silence on controversial remarks made by senior BJP leaders, including Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah, Deputy CM Jagdish Devda, and BJP MLA Narendra Prajapati. These comments followed the military action against terror targets in Pakistan and PoK and sparked criticism.
- Vijay Shah faced backlash for his remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a celebrated face of India during Operation Sindoor. Though Shah apologized, the Supreme Court ordered an SIT investigation.
- Deputy CM Devda praised Modi by saying soldiers “bowed down” to the Prime Minister for the military’s success.
- BJP MLA Prajapati claimed military strikes were halted due to “orders” from the UN and suggested PM Modi could have finished Pakistan off if not for these orders.
Congress accuses Modi of claiming undue credit for Operation Sindoor, arguing the armed forces deserve the praise. Party spokesperson Abhinav Barolia called Modi’s efforts political, saying the Prime Minister is “like a salesman” trying to gain politically from the military success.
BJP Responds to Congress Rally
Madhya Pradesh BJP spokesman Pankaj Chaturvedi dismissed the Congress rally as ineffective, citing factional issues within the opposition. He emphasized the BJP’s commitment to making Modi’s Bhopal event a huge success, highlighting Modi’s strong stance on terrorism and relations with Pakistan.
Chaturvedi said, “People respect Modi for his firm and balanced approach toward terrorism and Pakistan. Congress is known for divisive politics, and this rally will not change that.”
