Ahead of the Maharashtra elections, Prime Minister Modi criticized Congress and its allies in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) for disrespecting the state`s heroes like Veer Savarkar and Balasaheb Thackeray. He challenged MVA leaders to publicly praise Savarkar and Thackeray, showing respect for Maharashtra`s pride. Modi accused Congress of only seeking power, saying they divided the country during partition for their own gain. He also warned that Congress is trying to divide Dalits, OBCs, and Adivasis by pitting different castes against each other to weaken them. He urged the people to stay united, stressing that only through unity will they remain strong and safe from such divide-and-rule tactics.