"Congress made Muslims poor in 60 years," says Kiren Rijiju

"I want to ask our Muslims, who made you poor in the last 60 years? Congress did it. Today PM Modi opens bank accounts for you (Muslims), builds houses for you, and gives water, electricity, and loans. He treats all Indians equally. The benefit goes to everyone. So why should all Muslim votes go to Congress?... Misusing one community is a wrong thing. I warn Congress, don't make Muslims vote banks. This time we will make sure that minority votes don't go to Congress. We will go to people with a clear message," said Rijiju.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Monday announced several key decisions, including raising the limit of death and retirement gratuity to Rs 20 lakh and creating 4,860 special teacher posts in the state. These decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting here today.

In a post on X, the Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office stated, "Various important decisions were taken in the State Cabinet meeting held today at Mantralaya under the chairmanship of Chief Minister @mieknathshinde . Deputy Chief Minister @Dev_Fadnavis , Deputy Chief Minister @AjitPawarSpeaks along with Cabinet members, were present."

In the cabinet meeting, state government approved a ten per cent salary increase for Kotwals, and a compassionate policy.

The state government has granted approval for interest-free secondary loan assistance to the MMRDA. The state government also announced a subsidy scheme for rearing indigenous cows was.

Maharashtra legislative Assembly elections will be held in 288 constituencies. The Election Commission of India has yet to announce the dates for the election.

The upcoming polls will see a contest between the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, comprising the UBT Shiv Sena, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress, and the Maha Yuti Alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). (ANI)