Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday accused the previous Congress governments of using defence deals as an automated teller machine (ATM) for the party.

Addressing a rally in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district, Modi said: “India was dependent on foreign countries for 70 per cent needs of the defence forces during the previous Congress governments. It had been deliberately done as defence deals were an ATM for the Congress.”

“India had an 150-year-long experience of defence production when it became independent in 1947, whereas China had no such experience at that time,” Modi said. “But now, China has become an exporter of defence production, whereas we are an importer because of the bad policies of the earlier Congress governments.”

The Prime Minister said the BJP had tried to reverse it during the past five years, claiming the defence production had been increased by 80 per cent.

Back to 1984

Pointing out to Congress leader Sam Pitroda’s remarks on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, he said: “If you ask any question to the namdaar (dynast) family, they say hua to hua (it happened, so what?).”

Modi accused the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) dispensation of delaying the purchase of bullet-proof jackets for six years, which, he said, endangered the lives of the soldiers.

The Prime Minister urged first-time voters to vote for ensuring the development of the country in the 21st century. He claimed had the UPA government maintained the growth rate achieved during former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s term, it would have been much higher now.

On Ayushman Bharat, Modi said the number of beneficiaries from the health protection scheme was more than the total population of USA, Canada and Mexico. “As many as 50 crore Indians are provided free medical facilities up to ₹5 lakh per annum under Ayushman Yojana,” he said.

Praises HP Chief Minister

He also praised Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Jai Ram Thakur for “exemplary implementation” of the PM-Kisan scheme.

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