‘Give mandate to BJP in U’khand for a strong govt’

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday asked the people of poll-bound Uttarakhand to give a clear mandate to BJP in order to get a strong and stable government which could help realise the state’s full potential in terms of development.

The circumstances in Uttarakhand on Monday in many ways resembled that of Goa in 2012 when corruption had touched an all time high and development had come to a standstill, he said while addressing a rally here as part of BJP’s ‘Parivartan Yatra’.

“However, people gave a clear mandate to BJP in Goa in the 2012 elections, shocking political pundits as no single political party had ever got a majority there,” Parrikar said.

“I appeal to you to give a clear mandate to us the way people of Goa did in 2012 and help us form a strong and stable government which could lead the state on to the path of progress,” he said.

Accusing the state government of being too busy minting money and doing nothing for the tourism sector in Uttarakhand which had tremendous potential, Parrikar asked the people to give BJP at least 60 percent of the Assembly seats if they wanted the vast reserves of tourism to be tapped to the optimum.

He also claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has big plans to boost tourism in the state.

Lauding the Army for carrying out the surgical strike across the LoC, the defence minister said, “our soldiers are roaring at the borders. As a result there have been no ceasefire violations of late. We have made it clear we don’t want escalation of tension along our borders but will give a befitting reply if provoked”.

Parrikar said Uttarakhand enjoys a special relationship with the armed forces as the state’s representation in the defence sector is among the highest in the country.

Citing the implementation of OROP as an example, he claimed it was a 40-year-old demand which was fulfilled by the Modi government within a year of coming to power.

“Rs 7,500 crore have already been paid with around 98 percent of ex-servicemen having benefitted already from the implementation of OROP. There were 25 lakh ex servicemen and it was not a small task,” he said, adding the remaining two percent will also be benefiting from the implementation within 30-40 days.

“Soldiers can concentrate on maintaining security along the country’s borders as we are there to address their concerns,” he added. .

Earlier in his address at the rally, Union Health Minister J P Nadda, also BJP’s election incharge for the state, said Parivartan (change) did not just mean the change of a government but of a political culture.

“Parivartan means change of an entire political culture.

Congress’ political culture is based on commission whereas BJP’s culture has its foundations in mission. Congress believes in reaping the fruits whereas we believe in serving selflessly,” he said.

Alleging that the country’s self-esteem was at its lowest during the UPA rule, Nadda said two-and-half-year of the Modi government had changed the global perception about India which is now being looked upon internationally as an emerging super power.