The Congress’ betrayal of the people who reposed their faith in it, and a startling revelation of the dismal development in Amethi, was shared by Shri Narendra Modi during his address in the region, on the evening of 5th May. From the lack of infrastructure facilities and inadequate and improper transportation systems to the acute poverty in the region, Shri Modi exposed the Congress’ appalling negligence towards its family bastion of Amethi, despite ruling the region for over 30 years. He also released the BJP’s Manifesto for Amethi, which incorporated effectual policies to develop the region and turn it into a ‘Progressive Amethi’.
Expressing deep concern for the abject lives of the people of Amethi, Shri Modi spoke of how the region lagged behind its counterparts across the country. Be it agriculture or trade, the region lagged far behind its neighbouring districts, not just the Nation. From the severe lack of basic amenities like water and sanitation to erratic power supply and insufficient educational institutions, Shri Modi shared a clear picture of the Congress’ utter disregard for its people, and spoke of Amethi was just a votebank for the Nehru-Gandhi family. Addressing the issue of lack of toilets in schools, which had led to the alarmingly low figures of girl child education, Shri Modi shared the initiative taken in Gujarat whereby 76000 toilets were constructed in schools so as to enable girl students to pursue their education.
He questioned the arrogance of the Central government in being accountable for their work, and stated how Smriti Irani had, within a short span of time, acknowledged and started addressing the problems of the people. Shri Modi also attacked the Congress for its lies and its attitude of blaming the State Government for its own incompetence. “They are telling lies when they say that providing power and other development is unto the state government,” said Shri Modi, as he asserted that if the BJP government was voted to power, it would solicit and ensure the State Government’s active participation in implementing favourable policies for the State.
Shri Modi made a scathing attack on the Congress Vice President’s unconcern for his people by stating how despite being the MP from the region, he had never bothered to address local issues in the Parliament, and get them solved.
Giving a ray of hope for the distressed people, Shri Modi released the BJP’s Manifesto for Amethi, citing the development strategy for the region, and spoke of how the Party’s reformist policies would work towards making a ‘Progressive Amethi’. “In so many years they have ruined the dreams of 3 generations. I am here to sow seeds of hope among the youth. I have come here to share your sadness and make your problems mine,” affirmed Shri Modi.
Disclosing the reason behind choosing Smriti Irani as the candidate from Amethi, Shri Modi said that this was done, not to increase the burdens of the already burdened Rahul Gandhi, but to lessen the sufferings of the people of Amethi. “Smriti ji works with me. She is a Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat. We gave her a district close to MP border and I have seen the great work she has done in that district. Seeing her work I decided I will send her to the district which is least developed in UP. We wanted to present an alternative model,” said Shri Modi. Complimenting Smriti Irani’s competence, Shri Modi affirmed that if compared with the Congress family, she would know the nearby villages of Amethi better than the Family.
He further attacked the arrogance of the Congress leaders by citing how one of them had questioned the identity of Smriti Irani. “Families that are devoted to public life cannot make such statements. I cannot ask anyone who are you. Everyone is a proud child of India,” said Shri Modi, while further adding, “When arrogance reaches a new level, one loses thought process. I will tell you who she is- she is my younger sister. I can tell you that Smriti Irani has come here to undo what you did in 40 years. She has come here as a ray of hope for the people here.”
Shri Modi affirmed that the Polling till date had not only ensured the ouster of the Congress and its allies but had also laid the foundation stone for the formation of a strong, stable and development-oriented government. He affirmed that the future looked bright under the BJP-led government, and appealed to the people to support the NDA government. “Take this in writing. In 2019 I will again come to Amethi and present my account of work done,” affirmed Shri Modi.
Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Smriti Irani cited the lack of educational opportunities for the girl child and attacked the Congress VP for his false commitment towards woman empowerment. She affirmed that the massive presence of the people reflected the yearning of the people who wanted the change, that the Nation too was desiring for. “The wave of change that is taking place in the nation, Amethi wants to be a part of that,” said Smriti Irani.
