As the first phase of polling in the Lok Sabha 2019 elections takes place in various states across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Bihar’s Bhagalpur.
Speaking at the rally, Modi hailed the achievements of his government over the last five years. Saying that his government had a track record of vikas, he said that the BJP and the NDA would return to power once more on 23 May. Reiterating this multiple times, he stressed the benefits that the government had already provided the citizens of the country.
“In the last five years that you have given an opportunity to your prime servant to serve, he has made the impossible possible,” Modi said, referring to himself.
“The same chief servant made possible the construction of a pucca house and cooking gas for the poor,” he added.
Promises to Farmers, Traders
Modi urged the people of Bihar to vote for the BJP and their partners in the NDA, saying, “Your vote will increase the power of this chowkidar.”
Speaking more about his achievements, Modi said that the people of the country had seen politicians make polished roads till their courtyards, but he had made roads for every village in Bihar.
He said that after returning to power on 23 May, all businesses registered under GST would get benefits, promising Rs 10 lakh accident insurance for traders, as well as pensions for small shopkeepers.
He also reminded them that in the BJP manifesto, the party had announced the creation of a national trade commission. “For the first time, traders in the country have been thought of,” Modi said.
He said they would remove the five-acre rule for farmers, which would benefit all farmers in the country, also promising a regular pension for small and marginal farmers of the country after the age of 60 years.
Modi also stressed that he had paid utmost importance to the issue of security and the boundaries of the country.
Attack on Opposition
Modi launched an attack on the Opposition, criticising their stance on issues and their alleged corruption.
Modi said his government had been making efforts to bolster the quota system introduced by Baba Saheb Ambedkar.
"They are saying that if Modi comes to power again, elections would be done away with. All constitutional bodies will be under threat. And reservations will be done away with,” he said.
"The fact remains, this 'chowkidar' of yours has been making all efforts to strengthen the quota system introduced by Baba Saheb Ambedkar," Modi added.
“The ‘Mahamilavati’ gang fears that if Modi returns to power, their shops of corruption and dynasty politics will shut down,” Modi said. He also claimed that they wanted India’s armed forces to be stripped of their special powers.
Talking about Pakistan, he said, “You know what was Pakistan's attitude before 2014? Pakistan sent terrorists and after the attack, they also threatened terrorists.”
He alleged that the Congress-led government had remained buried in paperwork instead of acting.
Hailing the “stronger approach” of his government, he said, “We will find out the terror hideouts in Jammu and Kashmir and imprison those who take money from Pakistan.”
(With inputs from PTI.)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)