The Hindu - International

Cong. stalling developmen­t of Dalits and the poor: PM

Addressing a public meeting in Nanded, the PM alleged that the INDIA bloc believes in vote bank politics; he also accused the Congress of preventing developmen­t in Marathwada and Vidarbha

- Purnima Sah

Addressing a public rally in Maharashtr­a’s Nanded on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying that he is likely to run away from Wayanad after the Lok Sabha election this year.

“Congress’ shehzada (prince) now has no choice but to contest from Wayanad, but just like he ran away from the Amethi seat in 2019, he may run away from Wayanad. Congress may make big claims, but in reality, Congress leaders already accepted defeat before the announceme­nt of the election dates,” he said.

“We have the popular support of ‰rst-time voters with us. The INDIA bloc has come together to save and protect their corruption and the people have thoroughly rejected them in the ‰rst phase of polling. The country is voting for the BJP-NDA for a ‘Viksit

Bharat,” Mr. Modi said.

“Congress is the wall between the developmen­t of Dalits, poor and deprived. One can never expect them to resolve any issues and people cannot expect robust developmen­tal prospects from them,” he said.

Mr. Modi also accused the Congress of preventing developmen­t in Marathwada and Vidarbha. “It is because of the policies of the Congress that both Marathwada and Vidarbha are water de‰cient, their farmers are poor, and there are no prospects for industrial growth. Our government has enabled ‘Nal se Jal’ (tap water) for 80% of the households in Nanded. Our constant endeavour has been to facilitate the empowermen­t of our farmers through a record rise in MSPs (minimum support prices), income support through PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi), and the promotion of ‘Sree Anna’,” Mr. Modi said.

“To treat every wound given by Congress is Modi’s guarantee. We aim to foster the developmen­t of the Marathwada region in the next ‰ve years,” Mr. Modi said.

“The INDIA alliance only believes in vote bank politics. For this, they have left no stone unturned to criticise and disrespect ‘Sanatana’. It is the same INDIA alliance that boycotted the pran pratishtha of Shri Ram (in Ayodhya),” Mr. Modi said.

“We all must strive to ensure that India becomes a ‘Viksit Bharat’, and for that, it is the need of the hour to vote for the BJPNDA. I am con‰dent to see Modi 3.0 with the support of people,” he added.

Synonym of trust

Speaking at the same rally, Maharashtr­a Chief Minister Eknath Shinde “Abki baar, phir ek baar (this time, once again). The citizens of this country are eager to bring Prime Minister Modi to power for the third time because they want to vote for ‘Viksit Bharat’. Modi’s name is the synonym of ‘trust’ and ‘guarantee’ in this country,” Mr. Shinde said.

 ?? ANI ?? Campaign trail: Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to the crowd during a public gathering in Nanded, Maharashtr­a on Saturday.
ANI Campaign trail: Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to the crowd during a public gathering in Nanded, Maharashtr­a on Saturday.

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