New Delhi/Azamgarh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused previous Opposition governments of betraying public trust by announcing schemes without intent to implement them while addressing a public rally in Azamgarh. Modi emphasised his administration's commitment to transparent governance and rapid development, distancing himself from entrenched political dynasties.
During his address, Modi criticised the practice of announcing schemes solely for political gain, citing instances where foundation stones were laid before elections only to be forgotten afterward. He underscored his administration's integrity and efficacy in executing development projects, contrasting it with past administrations marred by corruption.
Turning his attention to political nepotism, Modi slammed the Mulayam-Akhilesh Yadav family's stronghold in Azamgarh, stating that the poison of appeasement is waning as Uttar Pradesh progresses. He emphasised his administration's focus on empowering all segments of society, irrespective of political lineage.
"In the last election, the family, which considered Azamgarh its bastion, was defeated by a youth like Dinesh (Dinesh Lal Yadav Nirahua, MP of Azamgarh)," Modi said.
Late SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav had won the Azamgarh parliamentary seat in 2014. After him, his son Akhilesh Yadav won the Lok Sabha seat in 2019. The party, however, lost the seat to the BJP's Dinesh Lal Yadav in the 2022 by-election, which was necessitated after Akhilesh vacated the seat and decided to represent Karhal in the state Assembly.
Modi cited Azamgarh's transformation from a once-backward region to a beacon of development, attributing it to his administration's policies. He cautioned against politicising development projects, urging stakeholders to view them as avenues for progress rather than electoral tools.
"Due to this parivaarvad, the leaders from the Opposition parties are so frustrated that they abuse Modi. They say that Modi doesn't have a family. They forget that the 140-crore population of the country is the family of Modi," the Prime Minister said, referring to RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav, who in a rally in Bihar on March 3 asked him why he did not have a family.
Highlighting the delayed urbanisation planning in the country, Modi stressed the need to seize urbanisation as an opportunity for growth. He pledged to expedite development initiatives to realise the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Reiterating his commitment to combatting terrorism and providing opportunities for youth, Modi vowed to dismantle the legacy of corruption and neglect that plagued previous administrations. He affirmed his government's dedication to restoring the dignity and prosperity of regions like Azamgarh and Purvanchal.
