PM Modi kicks off 10-day multi-state tour from Telangana
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday embarked on a 10-day tour spanning 12 states and union territories for 29 inauguration and foundation stone laying programs ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. His journey began in Telangana, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects valued at over Rs. 62,000 crore in Adilabad. Later, he is scheduled to visit Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited in Tamil Nadu's Kalpakkam and address a public gathering in Chennai before heading to Hyderabad.
Why does this story matter?
Modi's multi-state visit comes just after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced its first list of 195 candidates for the 2024 polls. The PM has been actively touring different states, inaugurating projects, and showcasing his government's achievements over the past decade in preparation for the general election. Notably, the Modi government set a goal of winning 370 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats for the BJP and is working to win 400 for the National Democratic Alliance.
Modi hits out at INDIA over nepotism, corruption
During his address in Adilabad, Modi targeted the opposition coalition—the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA)—over nepotism and corruption. "The leaders of the INDI Alliance, deeply engrossed in corruption, nepotism and appeasement, are...nervous. When I question their 'Parivarvaad' (dynasty politics), they have started saying that Modi has no family," he said. He added, "140 crore people of the country are my family... Every poor person...is my family. Those who have no one, they...belong to Modi... Modi belongs to them."
Telangana is saying 'abki baar, 400 paar': PM
During the rally, the PM also said, "The BJP is committed to the development of the nation. That is why even the people of Telangana are saying 'abki baar, 400 paar.'" "They (opposition) keep talking about elections... Yesterday...I sat down with all the ministers, senior secretaries, and officials of the Government of India—the top team of around 125 people. I didn't discuss elections," he said. "I elaborately discussed the action plan for the 'Viksit Bharat Nirman,'" he added.
Watch PM Modi's speech here
Modi's schedule in Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar
After his Telangana-Tamil Nadu visit, Modi on Tuesday will head to Odisha to launch multiple development projects worth more than Rs. 19,600 crore at Chandikhole, Jajpur. On Wednesday, he will be in West Bengal to lay the foundation stone for numerous connectivity projects in Kolkata worth Rs. 15,400 crore. Later that day, Modi will visit Bihar's Bettiah to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth approximately Rs. 12,800 crore.
Modi's nationwide tour
According to Modi's schedule, he will also visit Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Delhi, and Rajasthan. His itinerary also includes inaugurating the Sela tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh and unveiling a statue of legendary Ahom army commander Lachit Borphukan in Assam's Jorhat. He will also attend a program of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Delhi.
MCC to be enforced soon
As election dates are expected to be announced shortly, the Model Code of Conduct, governed by the Election Commission of India (ECI), will be enforced soon. Under this code, the government is prohibited from introducing or announcing any new projects or schemes until a new government is established.
