In a powerful address in Ghazipur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured a large gathering of his commitment to a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), pledging to overcome any obstacles posed by the opposition.

He also launched a blistering attack on the Congress, accusing the party of not allowing the soldiers to get ‘One Rank, One Pension’.

Prime Minister Modi began his speech by recalling a painful memory from the past, saying, “Whenever I come to Ghazipur, I am reminded of a betrayal. After independence, Congress had sworn not to develop this area, forcing its people to live in suffocating poverty. This incident stands as a testament to how the INDI Alliance has consistently let Ghazipur down.”

The prime minister highlighted the stark contrast between past and present governance, emphasising the transformative changes brought about by his administration. “Today, I feel immense satisfaction knowing our government provides free ration to every poor household. Even during the severe crisis of corona (COVID-19), we ensured no one slept hungry. Modi’s government is spending lakhs of crores on this free ration scheme, ensuring no one faces the hardships experienced during the Congress-Samajwadi Party rule.”

Prime Minister Modi engaged in an open dialogue with the audience, drawing a clear distinction between past and present leadership. He underscored the significant progress made under his tenure, stating,

“Congress mastered the art of delaying work and denying rights, even neglecting our soldiers’ One Rank One Pension (OROP) demand. It was under Modi that OROP was implemented. While the dynastic leaders built palaces, the poor, the farmers, the labourers, the Dalits and the deprived struggled. Modi’s government has changed lives. In 10 years, 25 crore people rose from poverty through empowering schemes. We have turned the PM Awas dream into reality, opened bank accounts, electrified every village, provided water to every household, and ensured no poor person sells land for treatment with Ayushman cards. Now, Modi guarantees free treatment for all elderly above 70 years.”

Highlighting the transformative impact of the current administration, Prime Minister Modi stated, “In the SP era, mafias roamed freely, flaunting their power in open jeeps, and gunning down opponents with impunity. Riots defined UP, with two to three major riots every month, causing immense loss to the poor and shopkeepers. Under Yogiji’s government, riots and rioters have been stopped. SP-Congress will do anything for votes and power. The SP shehzade once vowed to banish mafias but ended up bowing to them, even giving them tickets. Someone who cannot keep his word can never fight your battle.”

Prime Minister Modi also warned of the grave threat posed by the INDI Alliance to the rights of Dalits and backward classes. “The INDI Alliance is looting the reservations meant for Dalits and backward classes, conspiring to allocate them based on religion instead. They aim to strip reservations from castes like Pasi, Jatav, Lonia, Kurmi, Yadav, Bind, Nishad, and Patel. In Karnataka, they have already diverted OBC reservations to Muslims. Their scheme in Bengal has been exposed by the Calcutta High Court just two days ago. Nearly all OBC reservations in Bengal were being given to Muslims and infiltrators. Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress – all are complicit in this assault on SC-ST-OBC reservations.”

In a bold declaration, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the threat of the INDI Alliance’s promise to reinstate Article 370 in Kashmir. “This move threatens to reignite terrorism and embolden Pakistan. But Ghazipur stands firm against such perilous propositions. Witnessing its own transformation, Ghazipur now symbolises hope for Kashmir’s development. The people of Ghazipur reject regression; they embrace progress,” he said.

Concluding his speech, Prime Minister Modi urged the people of Ghazipur to support his vision of a Viksit Bharat. He also called on the crowd to help spread his message by visiting every doorstep.

“Together, we will build a developed India,” he declared, leaving the crowd inspired and hopeful for a brighter future.

In the Ghazipur Lok Sabha constituency, the main contest is between Afzal Ansari of the Samajwadi Party and Paras Nath Rai of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Voting for the seat will take place in the seventh phase on June 1.