Modi invokes terror threat to seek votes for Akali-BJP alliance
KOTKAPURA: Invoking possible threats from Pakistan and the fear of revival of terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged people in Punjab to vote for the Akali Dal-BJP alliance to provide a strong and stable government in the border state.
Without naming anyone, Modi warned people not to vote for parties who are eyeing to form the government for their vested interests. The veiled reference was to the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
“Punjab a border state. Pakistan always looks for opportunities to destabilise Punjab.
If a weak government or a government of outsiders or a government of those indulging in luxuries comes, this will be bad for Punjab and the country,” Modi said in this town of Punjab’s agricultural Malwa belt, 225 km from Chandigarh.
“We have to ensure that we have a strong government. You should ensure that you vote properly.”
Elections to 117 assembly seats in Punjab take place on February 4 with the main contest being among the Akali DalBJP combine, which has been in power in Punjab since 2007, Congress and the AAP.
Expressing apprehension that some people could revive terrorism in Punjab, Modi warned people against being misled by the Congress.
“Congress leaders painted all Punjab Sikh youth as terrorists.
Now Congress has called all Punjab youths drug addicts.
Save Punjab from people who will drag the state back to the dark days,” Modi warned.
In an obvious reference to the Congress and the AAP, Modi lamented the declining standard of language being used during campaigning in Punjab.