 "Narendra Modi (Photo Courtesy: ANI)")
Even as Opposition parties continue to demand the Indian Prime Minster's presence in Parliament discussions about the Centre’s demonetisation move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Friday found defending his government’s stance from a distance.
Speaking at the inauguration of All-India Institute for Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bathinda, Modi touched upon various issues, including the ongoing conflict over the Indus river water-sharing issues between India and Pakistan; corruption and black money; and of course the Modi-led November 8 demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.
Here are a few takeaways from his speech:
Water that belongs to India won't flow to Pakistan
Assuring Indian farmers that they would not be deprived of their share of water required for carrying out agricultural activity, Modi said there would be no compromise on this matter as Indian farmers have the right over water flowing through the Indus river. He further said that he would strive to bring back India’s rightful share of water. “Water that belongs to India can't be allowed to go to Pakistan,” he said. He assured that the government would do everything in its power to ensure that Indian farmers had the adequate amount of water for irrigation purposes. He added that a task force had been formed for this purpose.
Assuring Indian farmers that they would not be deprived of their share of water required for carrying out agricultural activity, Modi said there would be no compromise on this matter as Indian farmers have the right over water flowing through the Indus river. He further said that he would strive to bring back India’s rightful share of water. “Water that belongs to India can't be allowed to go to Pakistan,” he said. He assured that the government would do everything in its power to ensure that Indian farmers had the adequate amount of water for irrigation purposes. He added that a task force had been formed for this purpose.
Pakistan must decide if it wants a fight
Lauding the October 29 surgical strike conducted by the Indian Army in Pakistan’s territory, Modi asked his audience to appreciate the valour of the country’s soldiers and witness how they created a havoc across the border. Following this, he said that people of Pakistan needed to speak to their leaders and decide if they wanted to fight against India.
Lauding the October 29 surgical strike conducted by the Indian Army in Pakistan’s territory, Modi asked his audience to appreciate the valour of the country’s soldiers and witness how they created a havoc across the border. Following this, he said that people of Pakistan needed to speak to their leaders and decide if they wanted to fight against India.
For the love of farmers and middle class
Modi, while defending the centre’s demonetisation move, said that the attack on black money and corruption was intended to give back the poor their rights. He added that black money and corruption have affected the middle class, whose coffers have been looted due to corrupt practices. He further assured that he was doing everything possible to ensure the middle class was not exploited and that the poor got their due.
Your mobile is your wallet
Encouraging people to switch to digital transactions -- a system on the rise since the government’s decision to demonetise high-value currency notes, Modi urged the Indian masses to use their phones for transactions. “Your mobile phone can be turned into your bank and wallet. Today’s tech can help you use it for purchasing things, making payments,” said Modi.
