Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday alleged that individuals filled with hate and negativity are attempting to destroy India’s unity and integrity. His remarks come against the backdrop of recent controversial statements made by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi during his US visit.

During his first visit to Gujarat after assuming office for a third consecutive term, Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various projects worth Rs 8,000 crore. This included the flagging off of the Bhuj-Ahmedabad Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, India’s first Vande Bharat metro service, and five new Vande Bharat express trains in Ahmedabad.

Without directly naming his opposition, Modi criticised the “politics of appeasement” and claimed that some individuals are actively trying to divide the country. “Some people filled with negativity are targeting India’s unity and integrity, intending to divide the country. Those filled with hate are not leaving any chance to defame India and Gujarat,” he stated.

Modi also referred to insults and mockery directed at him by the opposition during the first 100 days of his third term but emphasised that he remained focused on the government’s development goals. He said, “When every Indian is striving to take the country forward, some filled with negativity want to destroy the unity and integrity of the country. They want to divide the country.”

Addressing the ongoing row over Rahul Gandhi’s remarks regarding the Sikh community and Article 370 during his US visit, Modi pointed out that some opposition leaders are trying to revive two Constitutions and two laws in Jammu and Kashmir.

Referring to the criticism, Modi said, “In the first 100 days, they made fun of me, jeered and insulted me. People were surprised by my silence.” He reiterated his dedication to the people of India, adding, “If I live, I live for you, if I struggle, I struggle for you, and if I sacrifice myself, it will be for you.”

Earlier in the day, Modi interacted with beneficiaries of the ‘PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijlee Yojna’ in Gandhinagar, a scheme that promotes rooftop solar energy. He also chaired a meeting of the Shree Somnath Trust to review developmental projects for the Somnath Temple.

The BJP has accused Rahul Gandhi of making “anti-reservation” remarks in the US, sparking further tension ahead of elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

(With agency inputs)