Suparjya Swain 
BHUBANESWAR: BJP National President and Union Minister J.P. Nadda, during a gathering in Odisha on Thursday, strongly criticized the Congress party, accusing it of aligning with forces that promote disintegration in the country. Nadda referred to the Congress as the “spokesperson of urban naxals” and suggested the party has strayed from nationalism by supporting those advocating for the revival of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a crowd of intellectuals who joined the BJP, Nadda lauded the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 as a significant accomplishment of the Modi government. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, we ensured ‘One Nation, One Constitution’ by abrogating Article 370,” he stated, emphasizing the BJP’s long-standing commitment to unity, referencing the Jan Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s opposition to the concept of “Ek Desh, Do Nishan, Do Vidhan, Do Pradhan.”
Nadda’s speech also targeted Congress’s historical legacy, recalling that Mahatma Gandhi had once recommended disbanding the party after independence—a suggestion ignored by Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister. Criticizing Congress further, Nadda remarked on the party’s failure to abolish the controversial triple talaq system, arguing that the Congress deprived Muslim women of basic rights. He praised Modi for taking decisive steps in empowering women.
Turning to the Left parties, Nadda accused them of lacking direction, citing infighting in Kerala and West Bengal while uniting only for political photo opportunities in Delhi. He contrasted the BJP’s internal structure with that of Congress, asserting that the BJP operates under the mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” and that it values leaders who rise from grassroots levels. “In BJP, a leader is not born out of privilege but through dedication as a party worker,” Nadda added.
The BJP president also highlighted the party’s democratic approach to membership, mentioning the recent drive where more than 6 crore members have been registered, with Prime Minister Modi being the first to re-enroll. “Our party’s membership stands at 18 crore, and we renew our membership every six years,” Nadda stated.
Addressing economic criticisms from Congress leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, Nadda defended the government’s record, pointing out that India is now the fifth-largest economy in the world and a top exporter of toys and mobile phones. He dismissed the opposition’s focus on issues like inflation and unemployment, suggesting that the Gandhi siblings lack a fundamental understanding of economic matters.
Nadda further spotlighted the success of the BJP’s Ayushman Bharat Scheme, which provides healthcare coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh for 55 crore people. He announced an upcoming expansion of the program in October, which will extend benefits to senior citizens over the age of 70.
During his visit to Bhubaneswar, Nadda received a warm welcome from party workers and leaders, including Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and BJP State President Manmohan Samal. He also discussed the party’s growing global recognition through initiatives like ‘Know BJP,’ which has attracted the attention of ambassadors from 70 countries.
