Prime Minister Narendra Modi has intensified his campaign ahead of the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections. During a public rally held in Jagdalpur, Bastar, on Tuesday, he launched a scathing attack on the Congress government in the state.
He also took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's slogan regarding caste-based census in Bihar. PM Modi stated, "From yesterday, Congress has started singing a different tune. They say, 'As many people, as much right.' I say, in this country, the largest population is of the poor. Hence, my goal is the welfare of the poor."
PM Modi emphasized that Congress talks about sharing based on population. He accused Congress of wanting to divide Hindus and the nation.
He asserted, "For me, the largest community is the poor, and my government is dedicated to the welfare of the poor. Whether someone is a poor Dalit or backward, if the welfare of the poor is ensured, the welfare of the country is ensured."
He also mentioned that those who used to benefit from illegal mining in the state are now agitated because he has put an end to it.
PM Modi announced the unveiling of development projects worth nearly ₹27,000 crore in the state and addressed the Parivartan Sankalp Rally.
During his address, PM Modi stated that the Congress party has neglected Bastar for years and has never truly considered the welfare of the people.
He pointed out that the BJP has undertaken numerous development projects in the region and allocates five times more budget for Adivasis compared to Congress.
If Congress used to allocate 1 rupee, the BJP now allocates 5 rupees, and if they allocated 100 rupees, the BJP allocates 500 rupees for the Adivasis.
PM Modi criticized Congress for its "false propaganda and corrupt governance" in Chhattisgarh.
He emphasized that in Chhattisgarh, development is either seen on Congress posters and banners or in the treasure chests of Congress leaders.
If Congress has given anything to Chhattisgarh, it is "false propaganda and a corrupt government."
Hence, voices are emerging from every corner of Chhattisgarh today, saying, "No more, we will bring about change."
PM Modi further stated that it was the BJP government that declared November 15, the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, as Adivasi Diwas (Tribal Day).
They have also increased scholarships for tribal students by two and a half times. He said, "The nation is witnessing what Chhattisgarh has gone through in just five years under Congress.
The actions of their MLAs and ministers have left everyone dismayed. Crime rates in Chhattisgarh are at an all-time high.
Sometimes it feels like there is a competition between Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan as to which state witnesses the most murders, the most looting, and the most atrocities against women."
PM Modi's remarks underline the current political and developmental landscape in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, highlighting the competition between the two states in various aspects, including crime statistics.
During his address, PM Modi made several key points:
1. Development Milestones: PM Modi highlighted the inauguration of a state-of-the-art steel plant in Chhattisgarh, one of the most modern in the country.
He noted that despite such a significant event, no Chief Minister or Deputy Chief Minister from the Congress party attended.
He attributed this to Congress's fear of losing power and reluctance to confront Prime Minister Modi, who is known for his anti-corruption stance.
2. Empowering Tribal Communities: PM Modi emphasized that the steel plant in Bastar belongs to the people of the region and promised that no Congress leader would misuse it.
He emphasized that the plant would provide employment to over 55,000 people, with plans for even more steel industries to be established in the future, offering jobs to over a lakh of people.
PM Modi envisioned youths from across the country coming to Bastar in search of employment opportunities.
3. Support for Farmers: PM Modi pointed out that the BJP government has provided one lakh crore rupees to Chhattisgarh's paddy farmers.
He criticized Congress for misleading Chhattisgarh's farmers with false claims about rice prices, asserting that the central government procures rice from the state's farmers.
4. Protecting Local Interests: PM Modi cautioned the youth of Bastar against those who wish to exploit the steel plant for personal gain, suggesting that Congress leaders want to turn it into a treasure trove for their families and relatives.
He assured that the ownership of the steel plant belongs to the people of Bastar, and he would not allow any Congress leader to take control of it.
5. Census and Representation: PM Modi also addressed the ongoing debate about caste-based census figures in Bihar and the need for accurate data.
He underscored the importance of knowing the exact population figures for different communities to ensure equitable representation and rights.
