No financial support for those opposing development, says PM

In a veiled attack on the Opposition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday warned ‘anti-development forces’ that they will not get any financial support from the Centre for public works.

At a public rally in Vadodara on Sunday, Modi came down heavily on those mocking at his development model terming them anti-development forces, who (if they came to power), will not get any support from the Centre. Notably, Gujarat goes to the polls in December.

Describing his concept of ‘development’, Modi said: “Development means making every penny accountable. Development can take place only if you utilise every penny for public welfare. Development is not siphoning off the money in the name of big contracts. In the past we heard of (corruption of) ₹1 lakh crore, ₹2 lakh crore through coal, 2G, helicopter, submarine and many more.”

Taking a dig at the Nehru-Gandhi family’s Congress rule at the Centre, Modi said, “There has been a dislike for Gujarat in the past regimes. It was only when there was a favourable regime at the Centre, the State got some benefits. The State should take the advantage of a regime that has no dislikes about Gujarat or Gujaratis.”

Modi recalled Sardar Patel’s support for Somnath Temple’s restructuring and the support the State got during the Prime Ministership of Morarji Desai. At the time of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s rule, the State got crucial support from the Centre during the 2001 earthquake, he said. “After a decade and much toil, we have same party governments at the Centre and in State. Once again, we have a government that likes Gujarat and people of Gujarat should not lose this opportunity,” Modi told the gathering after launching public works and projects worth ₹3,600 crore.

Earlier in the day, Modi launched the first phase of ambitious 31-km Ro-Ro ferry service connecting Ghogha in Saurashtra with Dahej in South Gujarat across Gulf of Cambay in Arabian Sea.

‘Economy on right track’ In his public address at Dahej, the Prime Minister rubbished the doubts raised by several economists about the strength of the economy.

“Despite strict decisions and initiatives taken by the government, country's economy is right on track and is moving in the right direction. We must note that our forex reserves have increased from $300 billion to $400 billion in the past three years.”

During the day-long visit to his home State — the 19th after assuming office at the South Block —the Prime Minister engaged with people during a 14-km roadshow in Vadodara, before leaving for Delhi.

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