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BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi today said one of his major agenda was to make ‘Brand India’ globally synonymous with top quality in all areas. Whatever the Congress was not able to do in 60 years, the BJP will do in 60 months, said Modi.
Addressing a public rally at Salem in Tamil Nadu, Modi said India was rich in iron ore and could manufacture steel by itself and for global markets. But we are exporting iron ore and importing steels. It is a tragedy.
At Salem, Modi climbed the stage holding DMDK leader Vijaykanth’s hand.
Prior to the rally, there had been speculation Vijaykanth was upset with Modi meeting film star Rajinikanth and might not share the stage with him.
In Salem, Modi introduced DMDK’s 14 candidates, who are in the Lok Sabha election fray.
One among them is LK Sudeesh, who will contest from the Salem LS seat.
“I had come from the land of Iron Man of India to the Steel city,” said Modi at the rally, which was organised inside the Salem Steel plant complex.
He said Salem had all the talent but the problem lied in Chennai and Delhi. “They don’t give you power, they are the dealers of power,” said Modi.
“When Prime Minister’s voice is unheard, how can your voice be heard,” said Modi.
The nation was tired of empty promises and needed delivery. People preferred tea sellers as against those who sell the nation, he said.
Salem is also well-known for growing Tapioca, and has a near monopoly in this. However, farmers had been suffering and the regional political parties were not interested in it. Farmers needed good quality seed and fertiliser, which was not available, he said.
Rivers should be linked so that places like Tamil Nadu would get enough water for growth, he added.
He assured that by 2022, each and every poor person would have a house with access to water, power, sanitation and schools.
Modi promised a revolutionary approach to national development in which Centre and states would strive for progress.
He said the Congress believed in divide and rule. It made states fight over water and language. Before Salem, Modi arrived at Krishnagiri from Madhya Pradesh, his first stop during the two-day election campaign in Tamil Nadu.
At the rally, he stressed addressing basic issues like power crisis, water, strengths of the youth and the need for their empowerment.
“When I took over as chief minister people told me do something but give us electricity during the dinner time. Now, we have 24/7 access to power all days,” claimed Modi.
