GURGAON: Hitting out at Congress over its opposition to "big decisions" like Article 370 and triple talaq, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday dared the party to promise that it will undo these steps if elected to power.

The PM, who was addressing the first of his four rallies in Haryana in Ballabgarh, accused Congress of blocking the path of progress, saying the party had lost touch with reality and was devoid of ideas. While BJP had a "strong team and strong captain" in Manohar Lal Khattar, Congress and other opposition parties were "crumbling and desperately trying to keep their leadership together", said Modi, and went on to highlight the welfare schemes of the central and Haryana governments.

In a state that contributes significantly to the armed forces, Modi's speech was full of references to decisions like acquisition of fighter jets, one-rank-one-pension (OROP) and the surgical strikes, and stressed how the BJP was committed to strengthening national security. Campaigning for BJP's candidates from south Haryana, the PM said people had a clear choice - vote for a party weakening the security forces or one working to strengthen them.

Modi said despite Congress' 'conspiracy' to cancel the Rafale fighter jet deal with France, BJP had remained committed to modernisation of the armed forces. "There was a conspiracy to ensure that we do not get a modern fighter jet. But despite this, India got Rafale," said Modi.

He further blamed Congress for delay in development of the light fighter HAL Tejas. "I don't know what kind of pressure they were under to delay it. We gave wings to Tejas and now it is a proud member of our forces," said Modi. "I will not allow our jawan to fight without ammunition and modern equipment. Jab tak Modi hai aisa nahi hoga," said the PM to loud cheers from the crowd.

He also said arrears worth Rs 900 crore had been transferred to the account of beneficiaries from Haryana under OROP.

Reminding people about the surgical strikes, Modi said while his government had given a free hand to the armed forces to deal strongly with terrorism, the previous Congress government had tied the hands of soldiers. "So many persons from Haryana are in the army. Ask them what message they have from government," Modi told the crowd. " Surgical strike yaad hai nai? (remember the surgical strikes?)," he added, amplifying his point.

On Article 370, the PM said India today was taking decisions which were unthinkable in the past. "J&K and Ladakh are moving on path of development. The credit does not go to Modi, it goes to the 130 crore people of this country. I derive strength from you, you gave us big mandate," he said.

He hit out at Congress for 'seeking help from foreign countries', a reference to the meeting between representatives of the party's UK chapter with Britain's Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn.

"These people... whose interests have been hurt... are questioning this decision, going abroad and asking for help. I am shocked by this," he said, adding, "They are shedding crocodile tears. They don't have the courage to speak against it (Article 370) as people are with this decision."

Last week, Corbyn had tweeted a picture of his meeting with members of Indian Overseas Congress UK who, he said, discussed the "human rights situation in Kashmir".

Congress, said Modi, had opposed triple talaq for its own political benefit. "A large number of people, including many Muslim men, supported the bill. There was no voice of dissent after its passage," he said.