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Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a huge public gathering in Prayagraj, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual significance of the region, highlighting the progress made under his government, and drawing sharp contrasts with previous administrations.
“Prayag is a land of penance. It is the land of the grandeur of Kumbh. The blessings of Tirthraj Prayag, mean the blessings of the entire world,” said PM Modi, as he opened his speech, acknowledging the rich heritage and cultural vibrancy of Prayagraj.
“This election of 2024 will decide the direction in which the Triveni of India’s future will flow,” PM Modi said, emphasizing the critical nature of the upcoming elections in shaping the country’s future trajectory.
Highlighting India’s progress, the Prime Minister stated, “India is now identified by its expressways and high-tech infrastructure. Major countries tell me, they also want India’s digital technology. India is now raising its voice strongly in the world. When India hosts the G-20, the world is amazed.”
PM Modi drew parallels between the spirit of Prayagraj and the modern Indian ethos: “The people here do not live under pressure from anyone. Nor do they live in fear of anyone. The vitality I have seen in the people of Prayagraj is rarely found. And this is the temperament of today’s India as well.”
PM Modi criticized the opposition parties, particularly the SP, Congress, and the INDI alliance, for their inability to digest India’s progress. “The Shehzada of Congress goes abroad to insult India. On what agenda are these INDI alliance people fighting the election? Their agenda is to reinstate Article 370 in Kashmir. Their agenda is to cancel the CAA. Their agenda is to repeal the stringent laws against corruption. Will you vote for them to do all this?” he questioned the audience.
Recalling the days of SP and Congress rule, PM Modi said, “During the SP-Congress times, Prayagraj faced a lot of discrimination. Do you remember how you were made to suffer for electricity? There was the noise and smoke of generators outside every shop. Today, under Yogi Ji’s government, every district is getting equal and ample electricity. Before 2017, farmers had to stay awake all night to irrigate their fields. Today, even farmers are getting electricity easily.”
“Modi’s mantra is, ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’. A grand Ram Mandir has been built in Ayodhya. Now, the development of Nishadraj’s Shringverpur will also be done. Shringverpur will become a major pilgrimage site on the Ram Van Gaman Path. Would the SP-Congress people ever do this work?” he asked, highlighting his government’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while pursuing development.
Addressing the first-time voters, PM Modi said, “There are many first-time voters in UP, who might not know much, what used to happen during the days of the family-oriented party? How it was difficult for our sisters and daughters to step out of the house. Industries and businesses were ruined.”
But Congress and SP are preparing to give reservations meant for Dalits and backward classes to their vote bank against the Constitution. “In Karnataka, the Congress government has given the OBC quota to Muslims. Now, they want to do the same across the country. But today, Modi is here on the land of Prayagraj to guarantee. I will not let them take away the reservations meant for Dalits and backward classes. And this is Modi’s guarantee.”
Concluding his speech, PM Modi urged the people of Prayagraj to support the BJP candidates in the upcoming elections. “The votes you give them will strengthen Modi. Tell me, will you send them to win on June 4th? Say loudly, will the lotus bloom in both seats?” he said.