Itanagar/Agartala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
has today kicked off a day-long visit to Arunachal Pradesh and poll-bound Tripura, where he is scheduled to participate in a host of programmes. In Arunachal Pradesh's capital Itanagar, PM Modi will launch a new 24x7 Doordarshan channel, known as DD Arun Prabha. The channel is meant to showcase programmes on the north east states' diverse cultures. This will be the second Doordarshan channel dedicated to the north east, after DD North-East, which telecasts entertainment and information-based programmes.
PM Modi will also inaugurate the Dorjee Khandu State Convention Centre at a programme in Itanagar.
He will also inaugurate Arunachal Pradesh's Civil Secretariat complex in Itanagar and lay the foundation stone of the academic block at the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Science.
After attending these programmes, PM Modi will address two rallies in Tripura, where the BJP is looking to unseat the current Manik Sarkar-led Left government. The first rally is scheduled to be held at the Santirbazar town located in south Tripura, while the second rally will be held in Agartala.
Today will mark the penultimate day of campaigning for the elections, which will begin on February 18. PM Modi had visited the state last week as well, with high profile campaigners from the BJP, like Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari and Yogi Adityanath.
Here are the LIVE updates from PM Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura:
Feb 15, 2018 14:13 (IST)
PM Modi highlights plans for healthcare in the state
PM Modi said that for healthcare in Arunachal Pradesh, the government's plan is to have a hospital in each of the three parliamentary constituency areas.
He said that in the 2018 Union Budget, provisions of wellness centres in rural areas have been kept and that in every panchayat, a centre will be there.
PM Modi said that in every block, one or two centres will be developed for farmers to sell their cash crops.
He also said that the government wanted to make medical education reach remote areas as well.
Feb 15, 2018 14:09 (IST)
"Bucket with a hole carrying water, will leak": PM Modi's dig at Congress
In his speech in Arunachal Pradesh's capital Itanagar, PM Modi criticised the Congress over leakage of funds meant for the poor.
According to news agency IANS, PM Modi said, "There is no dearth of funds in our country. But when a bucket carrying water has a hole, it will leak. That was the situation in our country earlier."
On inaugurating the Dorjee Khandu State Convention Centre, he said that the "vibrant centre" will further the state's aspirations.
PM Modi's speech comes after the BJP wrested power in the state in 2017, after Chief Minister Pema Khandu switched sides along with 33 legislators.
The BJP has since increased its ambitions in the north east as PM Modi is set to visit Tripura as well, for the second time, 2 days before the elections take place there.
Feb 15, 2018 12:38 (IST)
PM Modi talks about healthcare in Arunachal Pradesh's capital Itanagar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the health sector. He said that healthcare should be affordable and said that the government had brought down prices for the benefit of the poor and middle class families.
He said that the Ayushman Bharat scheme would take the lead in providing "quality and affordable healthcare."
Feb 15, 2018 12:36 (IST)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi complimented Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister on the work that he has done for the state. PM Modi said that Mr Khandu had prepared a "top quality roadmap" on how Arunachal Pradesh should be in 2027.
Feb 15, 2018 11:56 (IST)
PM Modi said that if there is a state in the north east that speaks and understands the most Hindi, it is "my Arunachal".
PM Modi said that the youth was asking to be taught Hindi.
Feb 15, 2018 11:40 (IST)
PM Modi inaugurates Dorjee Khandu State Convention Centre in Itanagar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Dorjee Khandu State Convention Centre in Itanagar.