PM projects UPA-govt achievements to woo Punjabis

Ludhiana, Feb 6 (UNI) Projecting the achievements of the 32-month old UPA government, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today appealed to the Punjabis to vote for ''Vikas ki Shakti'' (power of development), which was the Congress party.

''You have to choose between a progressive party and the communal and casteist forces'', he said while winding up his two day election tour of Punjab. He urged each and every voter of Punjab to recognise the ''power of the vote'' and give a befitting reply to the divisive forces.

The UPA-government came to power 32 months back and since then there has been a marked change in the basic facilities being provided to the people, he said. The government had done a commendable job in the health and education sectors and in providing drinking water facilities and other amenities to the public, he added while pointing out that still a lot more needed to be done in these areas.

Referring to the GDP, Dr Singh said it had gone upto eight percent and we are aiming for the nine to 10 per cent target. If this target was achieved, then it would go a long way in tackling the problem of unemployment and hunger in the country, he added. Claiming a large number of NRIs were interested in investing in India, the Prime Minister said for this the necessary infrastructure had to be created and his government was laying a great deal of stress on this. Aiports and ports are being upgraded, the road network was being strenghtened and efforts are on to improve the power scenario in the country, he added.

The recent agreement on nuclear energy with the US would definitely help in tackling the power crisis in country, he added.

Besides Russia, India has improved its relations with China and neighbouring countries, he said while pointing out this would help in accelarating the pace of development in the country.

Turning to the agricultural sector, Dr Singh said the UPA-government was extending various benefits to the farmers. ''Our priority is to lower the agri loan to make it affordable for the farmers', he added.

Turning to Punjab, the Prime Minister pointed out that the state had suffered a lot during the phase of terrorism. But when the Congress assumed power in the state, peace returned to the state and a new era of development and progress dawned on Punjab, he added.

''However Punjab has to achieve new heights in development and for this the Congress must be given another five year term'', he added.

''The Congress has dreams for Punjab', he said towards the end of his speech, bidding a warm farewell to the Punjabis with the hope that his party would be given another term.

UNI