Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday stirred nationalistic sentiments by proudly referencing the Pokhran nuclear test conducted during the Atal Behari Vajpayee-led BJP government.

He said that instead of being proud of the Pokhran test the Congress keeps raising the bogey of Pakistan's nuclear capability. "They are trying to create a fear psychosis," he said while addressing a public meeting at Kandhamal, which had witnessed communal riots in 2008 following the killing of VHP leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.

Modi said: “Twenty-six years ago, on this day, Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji conducted the Pokhran test. The nuclear test filled Indians all over the world with pride. That was the first time, India showcased its strength and capabilities to the world. Whereas, the Congress keeps threatening its own people. They create a fear psychosis in the minds of Indians by reiterating 'Pakistan has atom bombs'.”

At the Bargarh meeting, Modi said: “The Congress wants to change the Constitution. They want to take the reservation rights of SCs, STs and OBCs and give them to their vote bank. But, today, with a tribal daughter occupying the highest constitutional post, and your Pradhan Sevak being the son of the soil, I assure you no one will take away rights. No one has the guts to backstab the Constitution.”

He said: “President Droupadi Murmu visited Ram Temple in Ayodhya a few days back, offered prayers and sought blessings from Ram Lalla for the welfare of the country. One day after her visit, one of the biggest leaders of the Congress party said we will do purification of the temple. Tell me whether it's not an insult to the nation...it's not an insult to the adivasis? Should these people stay in Indian politics? I ask the people of Odisha whether the Congress and its friends should be punished or not.”

Modi said: “By insulting the President, they have committed the sin. For this, in all the constituencies, their caution money should be forfeited. If this does not happen, they will not be rectified.”