‘Saaf Niyat, Sahi Vikas’ is the tag line for Modi-led NDA govt’s four-year celebration

NEW DELHI: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government will celebrate its fourth year in office this week with the slogan ‘Manzil Aa Rahi Hai Paas, Desh Ka Badhta Jaata Vishwas; Saaf Niyat, Sahi Vikas (the destination is nearing, the nation’s confidence is rising ; clean intent; right development)’. The slogan will be condensed to ‘Saaf Niyat, Sahi Vikas’.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Partyled government was sworn in on May 26, 2014 after a spectacular victory in general elections that year, ending the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance’s 10-year rule.

The theme, a person involved in planning the campaign said, will also set the template for the 2019 general election campaign with its focus on Modi’s intent, progress that has been achieved in the last four years, and an acknowledgment that more needs to be done although the country is moving in the right direction.

“There is no doubt that our biggest asset is PM Modi’s credibility and there is no doubt about his intentions. We will also flag both infrastructure and welfare gains to show there is a lot that the government has achieved. But the slogan recognises that this is a journey and asks citizens to have faith that the direction is right,” the person cited above said on condition of anonymity.

The government will sharply focus on the NDA’s achievements in rural India, and in improving the lives of the poor and women, during the fourthanniversary celebrations, said the person.

This will include the electrification of all villages, with 40 million families benefiting; a spike in rural road construction from 73 km a day to 134 km a day; the provision of cooking gas connections to 38 million women; six months’ paid maternity leave; construction of 75 million toilets; distribution of 300 million LED bulbs; expanding air connectivityl and ease of procuring passports. The messaging will also mention the 10 million individuals are learning vocational skills and 120 million have received loans from Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency (MUDRA); 310 million bank accounts have been opened as part of a financial inclusion drive; and the cost of medicines and heart stents has fallen.

The government will also highlight implementation of the one rank one pension (OROP) scheme, giving equal pension to military personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service, regardless of the date of retirement; and the legislation outlawing the Muslim practice of instant triple talaq.

Modi will be in Odisha on Saturday, the day of the anniversary. The government , and the BJP, plan a major publicity blitz over 17 days with press conferences by top ministers; a social media campaign; a planned outreach to over 100,000 intellectuals; a ‘harmony connect’ day with Dalits; and more events.

The Congress has declared May 26 ‘Vishwasghat Diwas,’ (Day of Betrayal) and plans to hold protests in each district of the country.