Watch: Shri Modi addressing a public meeting in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh
A strong affirmation of his commitment to serve the spiritual land of Kashi and empower its people through a policy-driven government at the Centre was conveyed by Shri Narendra Modi during his rallies in Uttar Pradesh, on 8th May. Addressing rallies at Azamgarh, Lalganj, Chandauli and Rohaniya, Shri Modi shared his vision for inclusive development, which would not only tap the potential of varied segments like agriculture and handloom, but would also enable their prominence on the global platform.
Shri Modi affirmed that his association with the land and its people was that of being a ‘sevak’ in service, and stated that his only focus was on ‘growth and development’. “Modi is not merely your candidate. We have developed a very strong bond already. A film just showed you how the Sabarmati was transformed. We will do the same for the Ganga. I have come to you with one agenda and that is development. Except development there is nothing on my agenda,” said Shri Modi, as he affirmed of his commitment to enable Banaras get back its glory as the ‘Rashtra Guru’ of the Nation.
Sharing his deep concern for the lack of development and slackness in economic activities in the Eastern states of India, Shri Modi spoke of his firm determination to facilitate the growth of each region and make them as competent as their western counterparts. He underscored the undivided emphasis of the BJP in developing various sectors including agriculture, tourism and the handloom industry. Speaking on how the BJP wanted to reinforce Lal Bahadur Shastri ji’s mantra of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’, Shri Modi shared the BJP Manifesto’s inclusion of a standardised Minimum Support Price for the welfare of farmers. He also affirmed of his focus to make Kashi emerge as a centre of tourist attraction, by developing the spiritual and religious potential of the region.
Sharing the success story of how the kite-makers of Gujarat, predominantly Muslims, were empowered through focused initiatives, Shri Modi called for a similar replication in the handloom industry of the region by focusing on value-addition and branding of the products. He asserted that if the handloom industry in Surat could make a mark on the global front, the artistry of the Bunkar community could also shine on the international front with the right impetus.
Watch: Shri Modi addressing a public meeting in Rohaniya, Uttar Pradesh
The ruling government of Uttar Pradesh and the Central government lacked concern for its people, said Shri Modi, as he spoke of their unabashed indulgence in corrupt pursuits that looted the Nation. He condemned their arrogance in not being accountable for their work, and stated how their only focus was on defaming Modi and stopping him from becoming the Prime Minister.
Shri Modi spoke of how his only focus was ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ and how he despised caste politics. He urged those who followed it not to level false allegations against him. “I have never done politics on what caste I belong to. I believe in Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. Those who were after my tea seller past are asking what caste I belong to. I will tell them -I will rather die than tell lies. Please do not make fun of my caste. When I talk of development I expect you also to do same. Why are you dividing India,” said Shri Modi.
He also strongly retaliated to the Election Commission’s refusal to his rally in Varanasi, and stated how the absurd reason of ‘security concerns’ was deplorable. “My programme here was planned a long back but those who are already defeated they are not able to stand Modi. I had more programmes also but those are facing defeat did such match fixing & that too what reasons have they given. I have gone in the midst of Maoist area, in Kashmir & expressed my views. But only in Banaras I am unsafe? Can’t this Government protect a human? And in any case I am ready to die for the sake of Mother India why are you stopping me, I am not understanding. They stopped me from going to Maa Ganga also. I am duty bound by the laws of the land. I am bearing your insults but I can tell you that the people of India will not forgive this,” said Shri Modi. Further, he also censured the Central government’s approach of defaming and troubling Shri Modi through misusing institutes for the past 14 years, but still he lived in the hearts of the people.
Citing concern over the reports of rigging in the past 3 phases, Shri Modi also urged the Election Commission to stop being partial and ensure fair polls.
Condemning those who only believed in spreading lies and ruining the Nation’s development potential, Shri Modi urged the people to reject them and show their support for the development-oriented governance of the BJP. He appealed to the people to vote for Anupriya Patel – daughter of Shri Sone Lal Patel and the BJP candidate from the region – on the final day of polling on 12th May. He spoke of how the Elections had brought a ray of hope for the people and assured them that with the support of the people and a strong government at the Centre, he will affirm of a strong India.
Minutes before the rally, Shri Modi also met freedom fighter Col. Nizamuddin of Azad Hind Fauj and honoured and thanked him for showering his blessings on Shri Modi. Recalling the contribution of Subhas Chandra Bose, with whom Col. Nizamuddin had worked, Shri Modi said, “Today we are sitting with someone who worked under Subhas Babu, who had said ‘Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azaadi dunga. Today I say, give a strong Govt, I will give you a strong India.”
An audio-visual presentation reflecting the inspiring transformation of the Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad, from being an ignored water resource to becoming an encouraging development model, which also ensures livelihood to many and has become a tourist spot.
