Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his firm stance against corruption, emphasising that decisive action will be taken against it regardless of one’s stature.

Directing his criticism towards the Congress and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), the prime minister asserted that the nation has suffered the consequences of their actions thus far.

Specifically targeting the INDIA bloc, he denounced their failure to accord Chaudhary Charan Singh due respect while highlighting the historical significance of Meerut as a cradle of revolution and the birthplace of influential figures like Chaudhary Charan Singh.

Reflecting on his connection with Meerut, Prime Minister Modi underscored its importance in his political journey, noting that his 2014 and 2019 election campaigns commenced from here and the first rally for the 2024 elections was also being held in the city.

The prime minister remarked: “The 2024 elections signify a transformative journey towards propelling India into a developed nation and positioning it as the world’s third-largest economic powerhouse.”

He emphasised that in 2014, despite being the 11th largest economy globally, poverty pervaded the country, whereas as India ascended to the fifth position, 250 million citizens emerged from poverty’s grip.

Modi assured that poverty would be eradicated upon achieving the third rank globally, and a robust, empowered middle class would invigorate the nation with renewed vitality.

Prime Minister Modi asserted that India is at a pivotal juncture, witnessing unparalleled investments in modern infrastructure and a surge of opportunities across sectors for the youth.

Anticipating the nation’s progression, he revealed the government’s preparations for a third term, outlining a comprehensive roadmap for the next five years.

With plans underway for the first 100 days of the new government, he pledged to accelerate the momentum of development established over the past decade.

The prime minister emphasised further that what has been witnessed in the last ten years is merely a ‘trailer’ of India’s growth, underscoring the imperative to propel the nation further.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of the past decade, showcasing achievements once deemed improbable.

From the construction of the revered Ram temple in Ayodhya to the implementation of One Rank One Pension for veterans and the enactment of stringent laws against ‘Triple Talaq’, Modi underscored how these milestones have defied expectations.

Moreover, he celebrated the realisation of long-held aspirations, such as women’s reservation in legislative bodies and the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasising the swift pace of development in the region.

“These achievements are earning the Bharatiya Janata Party widespread support as the nation looks ahead to a future of progress and transformation,” he stated.

Prime Minister Modi remarked that the relentless campaign of his government against corruption over the past decade has ensured the protection of the poor’s finances by eliminating ten crore fake beneficiaries and saving a staggering Rs 3.45 lakh crore from misappropriation. 

He acknowledged the discomfort among certain quarters due to his anti-corruption measures, describing the upcoming election as a clash between his stance of rooting out corruption and the opposing camp’s efforts to safeguard corrupt interests through alliances like the INDIA bloc.

Modi emphasised that no influential wrongdoers escape justice under his administration, citing high-profile corruption cases leading to stringent legal consequences, with bail inaccessible even up to the Supreme Court level.

Moreover, Modi pledged to punish the corrupt and retrieve and return the ill-gotten gains to the rightful owners. This is exemplified by confiscating corrupt individuals’ assets and returning over Rs. 17,000 crore to those defrauded, he pointed out.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi hit out at Congress for transferring an island near Tamil Nadu, which was part of the Indian territory and vital for national security, to Sri Lanka, terming it as a “betrayal of the nation”.

“Despite its strategic significance since independence, Congress deemed it ‘unnecessary’ decades ago, leading to its separation from India, an action with enduring repercussions,” he stated.

Modi underscored the ongoing repercussions of Congress’ decisions, particularly evident in the plight of Indian fishermen who face arrest and confiscation of their vessels when venturing near this island.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party and National Democratic Alliance leaders, including Chief Ministers Yogi Adityanath (UP) and Nayab Singh Saini (Haryana), attended the event.