Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, while electioneering in Tripura on Sunday, said that “Northeast was neglected most by the previous governments”.
Reports said while addressing a huge gathering at a poll rally for the knocking-on-the-door Lok Sabha elections, Modi stated, “It’s because of your support that we have been able to work for the development of the regions neglected by previous governments. In fact, the Northeast has been neglected the most.”
“Tripura has become a symbol of change across the country. Our BJP government has brought development to Tripura through will power. Forces that are coming in the way of development can be tackled,” the saffron party leader said.
Praising the BJP-IPFT-led Biplab Deb government in Tripura to the skies, the PM said, “Tripura government is directly procuring produce from the farmers and benefiting the people. We have destroyed the ecosystem of corruption comprising middlemen. We have decided to provide financial assistance amounting to Rs 350 crore to 5.5 lakh small farmers. More than 1.5 lakh farmers have already received the first instalment.”
“I promised to give HIRA to Tripura before the state Assembly election. We’ve completed many projects and many more are in progress to fulfil that promise,” Modi said.
The firebrand leader said that the BJP has not been in power in Tripura for long, but the “wheels of development are moving at a fast pace”.
“Previous governments did not give enough attention to the development of the northeastern states in India. But now you are seeing the difference, now the chowkidar has instituted a welfare board for the marginalised communities of these regions,” Modi said.
Making a jibe at the Left parties, the PM further remarked, “For the Left parties, their constitution is more important than the constitution of the country. These parties once had dozens of MPs, CMs and MLAs, but now they are showing signs of fatigue. There leaders are seen on television debating but not on ground with the people.”
Modi said that the Left and the Congress were “in cahoots. Rahul Gandhi could have fought in Puducherry or Karnataka, or Andhra Pradesh, or even Chhattisgarh, or Madhya Pradesh. But why did he go to Kerala for a second seat? Because the Congress and the Left parties are together.”
He also said that the entire Opposition was “teaming up against Prime Minister Modi. They might look like two different parties here in Tripura, but they unite in New Delhi”.
He warned the middle class against the policies of the Congress which never looked into the interests of this segment – “I am making you aware, I want to tell the whole country to be aware of the anti-middle class policies of the Congress. The party released their manifesto, but there was not a single mention of the middle class. Why? Why is there anger against the middle class? Because they voted for Modi?”
The saffron party leader said that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has been trying for long to get a foothold in Tripura. Lauding the people of the state, he stated, “People of Tripura have been very intelligent and far-sighted, they choose BJP over Left and TMC”.