Cong govt hindering state's development: PM Modi sounds poll bugle in Rajasthan

PM Modi said Rajasthan would have progressed better if it had the double-engine government of the BJP, referring to the possibility of his party being in power both at the Centre and in the state.

New Delhi, Feb 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday targeted the ruling Congress for allegedly underestimating the valour of the armed forces and said its governments did not carry out development work in border areas.

He was addressing a rally here, soon after a ceremony a few kilometres away to inaugurate the first phase of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, which he said would bring pace to development in Rajasthan as well.

PM Modi said Rajasthan would have progressed better if it had the double-engine government of the BJP, referring to the possibility of his party being in power both at the Centre and in the state.

"Congress governments did not carry out development works in border villages and areas because they were scared, and they have said in parliament that what will happen if the enemy comes on those roads made by us," PM Modi said at a BJP rally in Dausa district.

"The Congress has always underestimated the valour and bravery of our soldiers. Our forces know how to stop the enemy at the border and give them a befitting reply," he said.

"In the last nine years, a strong network of roads and rail has been created in the border areas of the country including in Rajasthan," he said.

Taking dig at Ashok Gehlot over budget incident, PM Modi said "anyone can make mistakes but this shows Congress has no vision for the people of the state. The question is not which one (budget) was read but it (old budget) was kept inside a box and not implemented."

In a major goof-up, Gehlot accidentally read the old Budget speech for seven minutes before being interrupted.

Political crisis in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is facing political instability amid fued between Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot. In July 2020, a group of dissident MLAs supporting Sachin Pilot rebelled against the government. Though Congress managed to find a solution to the 2020 rebellion, the infighting between the Sachin Pilot and Gehlot camp remain a problem for Ashok Gehlot time and again.

Assembly elections are due this year-end in the Congress-run state.