In an apparent reference to Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that some people keep giving "Made in Ujjain, Made in Jaipur, Made in Jaisalmer" speeches but his government has given a reality stamp to "Made in Amethi".
Modi was addressing a public rally after laying the foundation stone of a factory to manufacture advanced AK-203 rifles in Amethi, represented by Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha. The guns will be manufactured under an India-Russia joint venture.
"Some people keep giving "Made in Ujjain, Made in Jaipur, Made in Jaisalmer..." speeches but Modi walks the talk. We have made "Made in Amethi" a reality. This factory should have come into being 8-9 years back. But the full potential of the initiative was never realised," he said.
"Amethi will be known through the new scheme now. AK-203 Kalashnikov rifles will be manufactured in Amethi, it will Russia and India's joint venture," Modi said, adding people of Amethi are going to script a new history.
The Prime Minister said, "I express my gratitude to my friend and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This venture was made possible in such a short time due to his support."
Modi expressed confidence that 'Made in Amethi' AK-203s would be of great help in fighting terrorists and Naxals in the country.
More From This Section
Talking about the job opportunities, the Prime Minister said, "The rifles made here will be exported to other countries also. Job opportunities will be created besides strengthening the economy and country."
The Prime Minister said that previous governments made security forces wait for modern ammunition and fighter aircraft.
"Our brave security personnel were made to face the enemy without bullet-proof jackets. Previous governments made our forces wait for modern ammunition and fighter aircraft. The forces and their needs were neglected. But 2,30,000 bullet-proof jackets for the forces have been bought only by our government," he said.
He said, "The factory in Amethi will strengthen the country's defence and security. Lack of modern rifles, lack of jobs have been major hindrances for the forces and also the youth under the previous governments."
Hitting out at the Opposition on the issue of purchase of Rafale fighter jets, Modi said, "They sat on Rafale for years. We are trying to bring in the jets and some people are trying to object to the purchase. The Supreme Court too is supporting the government's decision on the Rafale deal."
Recalling his visit to Amethi with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said, "I remember when I came here with Atalji in 1998 it was raining that day. After becoming the Prime Minister, I have the opportunity to meet you all again."
"Amethi is an example of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. Those who voted for me and those who did not, are all my people. We have not discriminated Amethi on the basis of election results. In future, Amethi will not be known by the leaders who come here, but by the developmental projects undertaken here," he added.
Modi also unveiled several development projects for Amethi.
This is Modi's first visit to Amethi after coming to power in 2014, the constituency which has remained loyal to the Gandhi family since long. The BJP had fielded party leader Smriti Irani against Rahul Gandhi in 2014 Lok Sabha elections.