Bijnor (Uttar Pradesh): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged voters in Uttar Pradesh to vote for his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying India cannot develop without the development of the country's most populous state.
"If BJP comes to power, you will be safe. If they (rivals) come (to power), the dreams of criminals will be fulfilled," Modi said virtually after bad weather prevented him from taking a helicopter to Bijnor.
"When you cast your vote, remember you are voting for the country. India can't develop without the development of UP." The Prime Minister sought to underline that a victory of those opposed to the BJP would meant a bleak future for Uttar Pradesh.
"The people who are asking for votes based on caste, they only remember their own family when they come to power," he said, his target clearly being the Samajwadi Party. In contrast, Modi said, the government led by Chief Minister Adityanath Yogi ensured over the last five years that development should not be limited to some areas.
The Union and state governments were committed to give farmers their rights, he said, adding that more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore was paid to sugarcane farmers in the last five years. "Adapting the ideals of Chaudhary Charan Singh and respecting every farmer is our aim," Modi said.
In earlier governments, farmers of Uttar Pradesh faced batons for demanding fertilizer, he said. "Those who showed such days to farmer when in power can never do anything good for the farmers, they can only use them."
"Those who are claiming the legacy of Chaudhary Charan Singh are misleading you," he added.
Modi said that compared to earlier governments, the Yogi government has procured double the amount of wheat on minimum support price. Those who are trying to mislead you today, ask them how much electricity they provided when they were in power."
"They kept you in the dark so that crime increases. We gave electricity so that development happens. Eve teasing was common in UP. The Yogi government has rid our daughters of this fear and given them the respect they deserve."
"Earlier even clean drinking water was not available. Now 'Nal se Jal' is available in villages," Modi said.
He said Uttar Pradesh now had five international airports because of the "double engine" government of the BJP -- meaning the BJP being in power in both the Centre and the state.
"You have seen in Yogiji's rule criminals ran away and asked to be shut in jails. They are waiting for the government to change so that they can come out of jail," the Prime Minister said.
"They are praying that the 'mafia raj' government returns. They want to divide in the name of caste and stop the BJP. I want to warn you against this game. Don't see anything else... Just look at the 'lotus' and vote BJP."
Fifty-eight constituencies spread across western Uttar Pradesh will vote to mark the start of staggered elections in the state on February 10. (UNI)
