Centre not trying to break Maharashtra: Modi

Addressing a rally at Dhule in poll-bound Maharashtra, Modi dismissed opposition charges and ruled out splitting of Maharashtra and separating Mumbai from the state.

He made clear that as long as BJP is at helm at the centre, no power can separate Mumbai from Maharashtra.

He said, “Some also say lies Mumbai will be divided. Till I am in Delhi I assure you no power will be able to break Maharashtra.”

PM’s remarks came against the backdrop of Congress and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray’s comments that BJP is vying to split Mumbai from Maharashtra.

He attacked Congress by saying, “Their leaders believe in spreading lies and feel by repeating it, the people will believe. After cotton and onion they started another lie saying Maharashtra will be divided!”

“Can anyone do this,” he asked.

Modi added, "Time has changed. People no longer believe Congress."

He said, “Those on the verge of defeat in the upcoming elections are resorting to lies. We are not like the Congress. We do not make false promises.”

Addressing in tribal-dominated Dhule, PM said, “Did Congress talk about their work for 60 years, when they were in power right from the Panchayat to the Parliament. We never made promises to win elections. We made promises to transform the lives of tribal communities.”

Later, in another poll campaign at Jalgaon, Modi said that his Government is for the poor people.

“Our Government is dedicated to the poor. We want to do big things for the poorest of the poor,” he quipped.