Days after Congress announced farm loan waivers in three states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday accused the main Opposition party of misleading farmers on the issue of loans. During his speech, PM Modi also lashed out at his opponents saying those who were in the habit of looting money were now afraid of the country’s “Chowkidaar”.
‘Those who were in the habit of looting, they are now feeling afraid of the country’s ‘chowkidar’ and are now abusing him.’ Modi said adding ‘this Chowkidaar is not prepared to spare thieves.’
Congratulating Jairam Thakur on completing one year as chief minister, Modi said, ‘Himachal Pradesh is like my home. I worked here for several years for the party’s organizational work.’
Congress govt fooled the soldiers
Addressing ‘Jan Abhar Rally’ in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, Modi also stressed on the one rank one pension scheme, saying the then Congress government ‘fooled’ the soldiers.
‘For the last 40 years, this country’s soldier was demanding the One Rank, One Pension scheme. The then government fooled our soldiers and kept only Rs 500 crore for it. When we came to power, I called for the file and officers were left stunned.’ said the prime minister.
‘We realized there was Rs 12,000 crore required for it. It’s difficult for the government to take out Rs 12,000 crore in one go so I called soldiers and asked them to give it in four-five installments and they agreed. Today I am happy, we gave it in four installments.’ he added.
Modi’s criticism of the Congress over loan waivers comes days after Rahul Gandhi said his party will not let Modi rest till the Centre writes off farm loans across the country. Loan waiver schemes have been announced by the recently elected Congress governments in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan.
The PM also praised the soldiers from the state, describing it as the land of brave army men who were ever ready to make the supreme sacrifice at the border. He further said that development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore were under way in various sectors in Himachal Pradesh.
