PM takes swipe at Congress for nepotism, corruption


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hit out at the Congress, saying the grand old party is unable to think beyond nepotism, corruption and appeasement.

Those who work only for their families can never think about others’ families. Those who are only busy in making the future of their sons and daughters can never worry about the future of others’ sons and daughters, he said.

Congress formed governments again and again, but forgot to build the India of the future, because forming a government was its only task and taking the country forward was not on its agenda, Mr Modi said, adding even today the direction of the party’s politics remains the same.

The PM was addressing the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Chhattisgarh’ programme via video conferencing today. During the programme, he dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 34,400 crores. The projects cater to many important sectors including Roads, Railways, Coal, Power, and Solar Energy.

Drawing attention to the transfer of funds directly to the accounts of beneficiaries under various schemes by his government without any leakage, he said development starts the moment corruption comes to an end, creating many job opportunities for the people.

He threw light on the development of health facilities and education infrastructure and the construction of new roads and rail lines as a result of good governance.

The PM also spoke about the ”leakages in the transfer of funds” that would have occurred during the regime of the previous governments due to a lack of transparency.

The PM emphasised that Viksit Chattisgarh will be created by the empowerment of the youth, women, poor and farmers and modern infrastructure will strengthen the foundation of Viksit Chhattisgarh.

Mr Modi highlighted the government’s endeavour to make Chhattisgarh a centre for solar energy and mentioned dedicating solar power plants in Rajnandgaon and Bhilai that have the potential to supply electricity to nearby regions even during the night.

“The government strives to cut down the electricity bills of consumers to zero,” he said and referred to the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity scheme which currently comprises one crore households around the country.

He informed that the government will provide financial aid directly into the bank accounts for setting up rooftop solar panels where 300 units of electricity will be made free and the excess electricity produced will be bought back by the government, thereby creating additional income for citizens worth thousands of rupees. He also mentioned the government’s emphasis on transforming the ‘annadata’ into ‘urjadata’ by assisting farmers to set up small-scale solar plants on barren farmlands.

The PM commended the completion of guarantees by the double-engine government in Chhattisgarh. Lakhs of farmers in the state have already received a bonus that was pending for two years. The double-engine government has also fulfilled the election guarantee of increasing the emoluments of Tendu leaves collectors, he said.

He said that when India emerges as the third largest economy in the world, Chhattisgarh too will reach new heights of development. “This is a big opportunity, especially for the first-time voters and young people studying in schools and colleges. Viksit Chhattisgarh will fulfil their dreams,”he added.