PM Narendra Modi's Speech In Shrinagar In Uttarakhand's Garhwal Region Ahead Of Assembly Elections: Highlights

Dehradun: Ahead of the Assembly election  in the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally today in Uttarakhand's Garhwal region. Speaking to the people from the GITI ground in Garhwal's Shrinagar town, Prime Minister Modi focused on the BJP's promise of development for the hill state. The Prime Minister also spoke about his government's efforts at the Centre to remove black money and curb corruption - one of the key issues ahead of elections in Uttarakhand. His Garhwal rally comes weeks after he laid the foundation for the 900-Km Char Dham highway project in the state's capital Dehradun. The highway - a 12,000-crore-rupee project - is an all-weather road aimed at improving connectivity between Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. During the launch of the project, the PM had said that the highway will put Uttarakhand's economy, which is dependent on tourism - particularly religious toruism, back on track. It will also help create jobs and people will not have to move out of the state to get employment, he had said. Last week, the Prime Minister had targeted the Congress - which is the incumbent government in Uttarakhand - and criticised its Vice President Rahul Gandhi in Parliament over the situation in the hill state. The PM took a dig at Mr Gandhi, saying, "the earthquake finally did happen." The PM was referring to Mr Gandhi's claim, offered in December, that the government was preventing him from speaking in Parliament on the notes ban issue, because if he was allowed to share his remarks, "an earthquake will happen." Uttarakhand was hit by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake on February 6, tremors of which, were felt in Delhi too. Mr Gandhi had recently said "SCAM", when applied to his party's actions, refers to "Seva, Courage, Ability and Modesty." The PM said that the attempt to "find Seva (service) in Scam" so distressed "Mother Earth" that an earthquake was the result. Uttarakhand will vote in a single phase on February 15, and counting of votes will happen on March 11.

Here are the highlights of PM Narendra Modi's speech at Shrinagar in Uttarakhand's Garhwal region:

• The current Chief Minister is a person who does not love his state. Can such a person do any good for you all?
• During the discussion to make Uttarakhand a separate state, they were against it.
• It is because of them that development has come to a grinding halt in Uttarakhand.
• Not just in terms of development, they score low on every issue. They have not been able to ensure the safety of women in the state.
• This election will be a make or break election for the state. Your fate is in your hands. choose wisely.
• Among all the other Himalayan states, Uttarakhand lags behind despite tremendous potential. Go to Sikkim and see the difference. More than 20 lakh tourists visited the state.
• But that is not the case in Uttarakhand. Tourists and pilgrims want to visit 'dev bhoomi' (God's land) Uttarakhand, but cannot do so because of poor infrastructure and facilities in the state.
• Tourism is key for Uttarakhand, and infrastructure must be given a boost. That will boost the economy of the state and create jobs.
• Roads in Uttarakhand are in a terrible condition. We are doing our bit from the Centre by giving Rs. 12,000 crore for an all-weather road - The Char Dham highway - which will benefit you all immensely. We would like to do much more for you all - even at the state level, but that can only happen if you vote for the BJP. We know our responsibilities, unlike the current government.
• Uttarakhand has tremendous potential and talent. It even has a rich history. Today, people around the world are seeing the benefits of Yoga. When we talk of Yoga, Haridwar automatically comes to mind.
• The soil in Uttarakhand is fertile. The state has a rich ecology. Almost every plant that grows here has some medicinal or healing value. Uttarakhand also has a big asset - water. Lots can be done even in this regard. The Panchmeshwar project will help solve many problems in the state.
• Many soldiers in our armed forces come from Uttarakhand. We are proud of them. But the Congress - they sat on 'One Rank One Pension' for years. For us it was a priority, and you all can see, we did it. We cleared the bill soon after being voted to power.
• Another top priority for us is to root out black money and corruption. But you all saw the state the country was in till a few years ago. During UPA, black money and corruption were in symphony. There was no intent or effort by them to take any action against the social menace. But then the BJP came, and we brought demonetisation, which shook corruption at its very root. It was a big step towards eradicating black money, which has eaten our system hollow. But they still blame me and abuse me. But don't worry, I can tolerate anything for the benefit of my poor brothers and sisters.
• Today, you stand at a point where you must choose by way of vote. Vote for a brighter future. Vote for development. Vote for progress.
• This 'chaiwala' (tea seller) is with you all, and always will be. Together we will win our fight against black money and corruption. My fight will always be for the poor.