BJP has emerged the Third Force in Kerala: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asserted that BJP has emerged as the "third force" in Kerala that will replace the two fronts led by Congress and CPI(M) in the next year's Assembly elections and transform the state's fortunes.
Likening the third force to the 'third eye' of Lord Shiva in this temple town, where the famous Wadakunathar Temple for Shiva is located, he said it would destroy the "evils" of the two fronts, an apparent reference to the Congress-led UDF and CPI(M)-led Left Front.
"Unfortunately, Kerala's politics is such that two coalitions have been ruling the state and looting its people. One coalition comes to power and loots. People get angry every five years and throw it out and another coalition comes. This cycle has been continuing so far. Both the coalitions are busy hiding each other's sins and then continue with their loot.

"Now the people of Kerala need not get angry any more. A third force has emerged in Kerala. It is like Lord Shiva's third eye, which will destroy the sins and free the state from the evils and corruption. The emergence of the third force will change Kerala's future and bring prosperity and peace in the state," Modi said.
Observing that many people have said that 21st century
would be India's century, the Prime Minister said this century is the "era of knowledge" and India has always led the world in knowledge.

He called upon the youth to take a pledge to enhance India's prestige in the world fora through their skills and knowledge.

"There is the public sector and the private sector. We want to introduce another sector - the personal sector. We want the people to be self-sufficient and self-employed to be become job creators and not job seekers," Modi said.
Maintaining that his government had introduced schemes to make the youth and the people self-sufficient, he spoke of the Jan Dhan Yojana and said over Rs 30,000 crore were deposited in the accounts through this scheme.
"When we launched Jan Dhan Yojana and told people that they can open zero balance accounts, it was my desire that poorest of the poorer should have an account in the bank. 60 per cent people were without bank accounts. We decided on the zero balance account, but people volunteered and put Rs 5 to Rs 10 in these accounts and now Rs 30,000 crore has been deposited in the accounts through the Jan Dhan scheme," he said, adding "this shows the richness of our poor people."

Through such schemes, the poor can come out of the clutches of the rural money-lenders, he said.
Speaking about the formation of Arya Samaj in 1875 by Dayanand Saraswati, Modi said it had its roots in India's First War of Independence.
"1857 saw the first War of Independence. After centuries of slavery, there was a new zeal and that too not a small one. It did not restrict to 2000 to 5000 freedom fighters, but the entire country stood up."
"However, the desired results were not achieved. When you see that background, you will then realise why Arya Samaj was established then," the Prime Minister said.

On the Clean Ganga initiative, Modi said several governments in the past had tried to clean the river, but were not successful. However, "if people make up their mind, the mission can be easily achieved."
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Underlining that the 21st century is that of Asia, the Prime Minister said despite unfavourable and uncertain global economic environment, the growth prospects of Asian region remain bright.
"Asia is where there are hands to work, homes to consume and heads have the humility to learn," Modi said.
He said the leaders of ASEAN countries have led efforts for better integration among the countries of the region.

India's initiatives including a Project Development Fund and Line of Credit have given a huge fillip to India-ASEAN cooperation, he added.
Talking about India-Malaysia relations, he said close ties are "integral to the success of our Act East Policy".
He said the "timeless ties" between India and Malaysia are reinforced by the presence of a large Indian community in that country.
"A recent symbol of our historic links is Torana Gate in the heart of Kuala Lumpur which connects two great nations and two great cultures," Modi said.
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"I would like to highlight some of our achievements," the

Prime Minister said while listing a number of steps taken by his government.
He said India has now become the sixth largest manufacturing country in the world.
"Our Gross Value Added in manufacturing has recorded a growth of 9.3 per cent in 2015-16. 51 cold chain projects have been completed in the last two years and six Mega Food Parks have been opened since 2014," Modi said.
He added that 19 new textile parks have been sanctioned and 200 new production units have come up in existing textile parks in the last 2 fiscal years.
This year saw 90 per cent jump in number of mobile phone units manufactured in India, he said, adding leading global players in the auto sector have set up various new assembly lines and Greenfield units.

"Our efforts to ensure 'Ease of Doing Business' in India have been comprehensive and wide ranging, including legislative and structural," the Prime Minister said.
"I am happy to share that the Constitutional amendment for Goods and Services Tax has been passed. This is expected to be implemented in 2017," he said.
Procedures involved in getting utilities like water and electricity are being simplified and an investor facilitation cell has been created to guide and assist the investors, Modi said while seeking enhanced inflow of funds.
"Our partnership with the state governments has also enhanced considerably since the launch of 'Make in India'," he said.

In association with the World Bank, the states were ranked on the basis of their business policies and procedures on agreed parameters in 2015, he said and added that this was further expanded in 2016.
"We have also taken major steps to kick-start the process of 'creative destruction'. We are making it easier for companies to restructure and exit," Modi said, citing the enactment and implementation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code as a crucial step in this direction.
New commercial courts are being set up to fast track resolution of commercial disputes and arbitration laws have also been amended to fast track the proceedings, he said.

"Through the 'Skill India' initative and its various components, we are trying to synergise the skills to the market requirements," Modi said.
"There is immense focus on removing the logistic constraints across the country," he said.
Roads, railways, ports are being upgraded across the country and to finance such infrastructure, "we have set up the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund in collaboration with foreign funds," the Prime Minister said.
"This is a time for integration. Integration cannot happen without openness. India has always been open at the heart. Now, at the level of economy also, we are among the most open and integrated economies. We welcome those who are not there in India so far," he said, adding "I personally assure you that I shall be there when you need me.