Ahead of the 2024 general elections, BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged people of Tamil Nadu to send 25 MPs of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to Parliament as an expression of gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for installing the historic 'Sengol; in the new Parliament building.
He was referring to the historic golden sceptre that was installed near the Speaker's seat on the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new parliament building on May 28, sparking a war of words between the ruling government and the opposition.
"Narendra Modi installed the Sengol, which is emblematic of the Chola empire. As a mark of gratitude, people of Tamil Nadu should elect 25 NDA MPs," Amit Shah said.
He also attacked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. "Stalin asked me on a public platform what the Modi government has done for Tamil Nadu in the last nine years. I have come here to answer his question," Shah said, adding, "The UPA government gave Tamil Nadu Rs 95,000 crore in 10 years, while the Modi government has given Rs 2,47,000 crore to Tamil Nadu in nine years."
Congress leaders too have been claiming that there is no documented evidence of Lord Mountbatten, C Rajagopalachari and Jawaharlal Nehru describing the 'Sengol' as a symbol of the transfer of power by the British to India.
Meanwhile Tamil Nadu CM Stalin, referring to installation of 'Sengol' (sceptre) in the new Parliament, said the 'history' was now well-known, apparently taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He asked if the BJP would seek votes in the name of Kashi-Tamil Sangamam or for (Modi) quoting Tamil classic Tirukkural.
Stalin said the BJP was readying to face the LS polls in the State by depending on the AIADMK that has lost every election since the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The AIADMK faced defeat in civic polls even while in power (2016-21) and in the 2021 Assembly election as well, he said.
(With inputs from PTI)
