Mahasamund (Chhattisgarh) [India], April 23 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday promised the people of Chhattisgarh that his government would "root out" Naxalism from the state.
Addressing a public rally in Mahasamund, PM Modi lashed out against the callousness of the opposition towards the country's security and said that wherever "Congress ruled, development derailed."
"Congress and development don't go hand in hand. Instead, violence and corruption peaked. In the North East, Congress couldn't stop the violence. In Chhattisgarh, Naxalism flourished under Congress. Why? Corruption. To hide its corruption, Congress fueled violence. While people suffered, Congress filled its coffers. Under the BJP, corruption and Naxalism are under control. Naxalism is rapidly decreasing in Chhattisgarh. I guarantee to eliminate Naxalism in Chhattisgarh," the PM said.
PM Modi said that the first phase of voting on 102 constituencies has been a one-sided voting in favour of the BJP-NDA across the country adding that the public has "trust" only on the Bharatiya Janata Party.
"Voting for Bastar seat was held in our Chhattisgarh on 19th April. Voting was also held in other states of the country and the first phase of voting has made things clear. The mind of the country speaks to make a powerful developed India and a strong government has to be formed, hence the public has trust only on BJP," the Prime Minister said.
He further said that Chhattisgarh can accelerate the journey of developed India.
"Today I have come to seek blessings for Viksit Bharat and Viksit Chhattisgarh. Today I have come among you to ask for something for me and I have faith in you. Every time I have asked you for something, Chhattisgarh has never disappointed me, it has filled my bag. Chhattisgarh is the state that has the power of steel, coal, and forest wealth, Chhattisgarh can accelerate the journey of developed India. Since you made me the Prime Minister, you have seen my work. You have given me a chance and you have seen that I have been serving you without taking any leave. I kept working day and night, I never did anything for me," he said.
Prime Minister Modi urged voters to exercise their franchise in record numbers in the Lok Sabha polls.
Polling for the Lok Sabha in Chhattisgarh is being held in three phases. While only a lone seat polled in the opening phase on April 19, the remaining 10 Lok Sabha constituencies will go to polls on April 26 and May 7.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP won 9 of the 11 Lok Sabha seats in the state, while the Congress had to settle for just 2 seats.