Lok Sabha 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted his familial connection to Punjab while addressing the crowd on Thursday, stating that he would have reclaimed Kartarpur Sahib in exchange for the release of 90,000 Pakistani soldiers captured during the Bangladesh war, had he been in power in 1971.

Donning a saffron turban, Modi accused the Congress of dividing the nation for power, emphasizing the significance of Kartarpur Sahib for the people of Punjab. He highlighted the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, enabling Sikh pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak Dev spent his final years.

Modi underscored the historical ties between Gujarat and Punjab, citing the connection between Guru Gobind Singh and Bhai Mohkam Singh of Dwarika. Beginning his speech with ‘Sat Sri Akal‘, Modi reminisced about his time in Patiala, expressing gratitude for the blessings of Guru Tegh Bahadur and Kali Mata.

गुरुओं की सेवा में समर्पित मोदी अगर उस समय होता तो वो पाकिस्तान से करतारपुर साहिब ऐसे लेकर रहता… pic.twitter.com/4YntVVjPOd

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2024

He criticized the Congress and AAP for being divisive and disparaging India’s culture. Modi questioned the delay in constructing the Ram Mandir and denounced Punjab’s CM as a “paper chief minister.” He accused both the Congress and AAP of colluding despite appearing to oppose each other.

Highlighting his government’s initiatives for the Sikh community, Modi mentioned Veer Bal Divas and efforts to promote awareness of Sikh sacrifices across India. He emphasized his administration’s support for Sikhs, including tax exemptions for langar and facilitating the return of the Guru Granth Sahib from Afghanistan.

However, Modi criticized the Congress for opposing the citizenship law benefiting Sikhs from Pakistan and other countries. He lamented the decline of Punjab’s agriculture and entrepreneurship, attributing it to corruption and the flourishing drug trade.