From Our Correspondent
GUWAHATI: Hitting the campaign trail for the BJP at Aalo in Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi fired a broadside at the ‘corrupt’ Congress-initiated grand alliance.
“Corruption is the fevicol that binds the ‘mahagathbandhan’ (grand alliance) of the opposition parties led by the Congress,” Modi said.
Describing Arunachal Pradesh, which shares a border with China, as “a strong shield” for the country’s security, Modi expressed his gratitude to the people of the frontier state where lotus (BJP’s symbol) was allowed to bloom for the first time in the Northeast
“Arunachal Pradesh has always been a lucky state for the BJP,” he said, adding that the party had already won uncontested three Assembly seats: Aalo, Yachuli and Dirang and that gave the clear signal to the opposition parties about the preference of the people in the state.
“People are watching how you strengthen this chowkidar in the 2019 election,” Modi said.
“I get inspiration from the people of Arunachal Pradesh and Northeast as a whole and that is why BJP-led NDA government has made Northeast its top priority during the last five years. I have visited the Northeast 30 times during the last five years compared to earlier years when a Prime Minister used to come to your state once in 30 years,” Modi said
“This chowkidar has made efforts to connect Delhi to your dil (heart),” he said.
He said that although Arunachal Pradesh required massive infrastructure development, a family that believed in dynastic politics only made efforts to empower their personal growth all these years at the expense of development of the frontier state.
“They (Congress) were not bothered about your bhalai (well-being) but rather concerned about their malai (benefits).
“Corruption has been the way of functioning of Congress that rued the country for about 55 years. Their leaders draw their inspiration from their leaders in Delhi who cheat on income tax, claim commission from defence deals. The leaders themselves are on bail now but are accusing this chowkidar,” he said
“We have hit the terror at this home ground and the Congress is in tears about it. Now you decide whether you want a strong government (led by BJP) or a government of strained people,” Modi said highlighting all the massive infrastructure projects and welfare schemes implemented by the BJP-led NDA government for Arunachal Pradesh during the last five years.
Appealing to the people to vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party, Modi promised to complete 25 years’ work in next five years if voted to power for second time.
The Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in Arunachal Pradesh will take place simultaneously on April 11.