Kanpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday claimed that the BJP was set to return to power in Uttar Pradesh and also attacked the Trinamool Congress for remarks by a party leader that its alliance with MGP in Goa had stopped consolidation of Hindu votes. Modi’s comments came as polling took place to elect assemblies in Goa and Uttarakhand and in the second phase of the staggered elections in Uttar Pradesh. Addressing a rally in Kanpur Dehat, the Prime Minister urged voters, especially first timers, to exercise their franchise. “Yesterday I saw an interview… A leader of Mamata Banerjee’s party was asked why they are fighting polls in Goa where the party has no existence. The reply given by the leader should be noted by Election Commission, by voters across India, and voters in UP as well… “The leader said we want to divide Hindu votes in Goa. Is this secularism? You are openly saying we want to divide Hindu votes,” he said. TMC MP and Goa in-charge Mahua Moitra told a newspaper that the TMC’s alliance with Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) has stopped consolidation of Hindu votes. Modi also expressed confidence over the BJP winning the polls in Uttar Pradesh and in other states and claimed that all castes and communities were supporting the BJP. “The voting in the first phase (in Uttar Pradesh) and the trends of the second phase have made it very clear that the BJP’s (Adityanath) Yogi government is coming back to power,” he said. “Every caste and community voted for the BJP in first phase and now in the second phase as well,” he said. “Women have taken the charge of making the BJP victorious. My Muslim sisters are also stepping out to bless Modi,” he said. UNI AO MR
