PM Modi Hits Back at Opposition; Amit Shah Challenges INDIA Bloc Over EC Allegations, Promises UCC in UP

The Opposition stepped up its attack on the government and the Election Commission ahead of the INDIA bloc rally in New Delhi on Sunday, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to respond on Friday. He alleged that some people wanted to "create chaos across the country, so that Modi can be defamed".

Speaking in Bhildi village, Banaskantha, Gujarat, after inaugurating and unveiling several projects, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he would serve the country "until the very last moment of my life". The remark was seen as a response to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's "Modi ka baap bhi jayega" comment in Patna last Sunday.

Shah challenges Opposition to debate EC allegations

In Lucknow, Union Home Minister Amit Shah challenged the Opposition to discuss its allegations against the Election Commission in a special session of Parliament.

Addressing a meeting of the UP BJP state executive committee, Shah compared the Opposition, including the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP), to a team that blames the umpire after losing a match instead of preparing for the next one.

"Rahul baba, BJP is fully ready for a discussion on SIR in Parliament. Come, let's convene a special session of Parliament. But Rahul baba has to spread lies and does not want to let Parliament run. The Opposition does not want to speak inside Parliament, does not allow Parliament to function, and harms its dignity by staging a mock Parliament outside," Shah said.

Shah promises UCC in Uttar Pradesh

Shah also said the BJP would implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttar Pradesh if it returned to power in next year's Assembly elections.

"This time, when the government comes to power, UCC will be implemented in Uttar Pradesh. UCC has already been implemented in many states. If you form the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh for a third term, we will implement UCC in Uttar Pradesh," he said.