Lohia's 'followers' betraying his principles: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday accused the political parties claiming to be the followers of socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia of betraying his principles and were desperate to form an opportunistic adulteration alliance with the Congress.

"Dr. Lohia always believed that dynastic politics was inimical to democracy. He would have been flabbergasted to see his 'followers' think about their own families first instead of the nation," Modi said in his blog while remembering Lohia on his birth anniversary.

"Today, these political parties are betraying the principles of Lohia, tomorrow they will also betray the people of India."

Accusing the parties, Modi said they were "desperate to form an opportunistic 'Maha Milawat' or adulteration alliances with the same Congress. It is both ironical and reprehensible".

He remembered Lohia stating that one who works with "samta" (parity), "samanata" (equality) and "samatva bhaav" (equilibrium) is a Yogi.

Taking a jibe, Modi said that Lohia's "false followers" believe in "satta" (power), "swarth" (selfishness) and "shoshan" (exploitation).

Targeting the Congress, Modi said: "Whenever Dr. Lohia spoke, inside or outside Parliament, the Congress trembled with fear.

"Lohia would have been horrified at the political developments taking place."

He quoted Lohia as saying: "During the Congress regime, neither agriculture and industry nor the army has improved."

Modi accused that the farmers were harassed, industry was discouraged (except if they belonged to friends and relatives of Congress leaders) and national security was ignored in the Congress regime.

--IANS

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