During a campaign rally in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that he warned Pakistan to return captured pilot Abhinandan Varthaman within 24 hours or face severe repercussions. Modi’s statement highlighted his strong stance during the 2019 India-Pakistan tensions, emphasizing his leadership’s impact on national security.
Banto Kataria, the BJP candidate for the Ambala parliamentary constituency, campaigned in Thamber village on Tuesday. The 59-year-old arrived in an Innova Crysta, dressed in a lilac blouse and peach saree, with a BJP flag around her neck and a brooch pinned. The village’s narrow streets were bustling with activity as Kataria’s supporters welcomed her.
Kataria addressed the Rajput community in a Dharamshala courtyard adorned with pink and red tents. Before her speech, BJP district president Mandeep Barara urged voters to support Modi and ensure Kataria’s victory as a tribute to her late husband, Rattan Lal Kataria, a former MP who had served the Ambala constituency for decades.
Kataria spoke about her husband’s dedication and criticized the Congress government for various scams, urging voters to question Congress leaders on their contributions over the years. She appealed to the Rajput community to stand with Modi and support the BJP, emphasizing the importance of their votes in building a new India.
“Today, I want to tell my Rajput brothers and sisters to stand with Modi ji. He has started building a new India. Resolve that if Rajputs stand with anyone, it will be with Modi ji and the lotus symbol. All your votes should go to the BJP, and never to the Congress,” Kataria urged.
Kataria recounted the incident when Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by Pakistan, crediting Modi for his swift action. “When Group Captain Abhinandan was held captive, it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who warned Pakistan to return him within 24 hours or face being wiped off the map. This resolve by our PM, supported by your votes, ensured Abhinandan’s return within 24 hours,” she said.
Kataria concluded by referencing the admiration for Modi’s leadership even among ordinary Pakistanis, who, she claimed, wished for a leader like Modi to transform their country. “Today, even the common man in Pakistan says, ‘Give us Narendra Modi for six months.’ So, I appeal to my Rajput brothers to contribute to the making of this new Bharat by supporting the BJP with your vote on May 25.”
The rally underscored the BJP’s campaign themes of strong leadership and national pride, with Kataria rallying support for her candidacy and Modi’s vision for India.
