India Could Achieve Developed Country Status Ahead of 2047 Schedule, Union Minister Claims

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, speaking at a traders convention in Amar Colony, New Delhi, expressed optimism about India's developmental trajectory under the BJP-led Centre. He highlighted the nation's economic growth since 2014, stating that India, which was the world's 10th-largest economy when Narendra Modi assumed office as Prime Minister, has now climbed to the fifth position. Puri projected that within the next two years, India is expected to surpass Germany and Japan to become the world's third-largest economy.

Puri's statements come amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, where he urged traders to support the BJP in winning all seven seats in Delhi. He emphasized the rapid pace at which work is being carried out, suggesting that India could achieve the status of a developed country 10-15 years ahead of the 2047 target. The Union Minister also promised to aid in the development of the Amar Colony market.

The convention also saw criticism directed towards Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by Puri. He accused Kejriwal of engaging in outbursts against Modi and the BJP, mentioning Kejriwal's interim bail from Tihar Jail and ongoing case. Puri contrasted Modi's model of development with what he termed as Kejriwal's "revri" (freebies) model.

Notable figures such as Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister V K Singh, Delhi BJP Chief Virendra Sachdeva, and others campaigned for the BJP's Lok Sabha candidates. The day also saw a motorcycle rally led by BJP National Secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa and a voter-slip distribution campaign initiated by the party.

In addition to BJP's efforts, National Democratic Alliance (NDA) constituent Rashtriya Lok Dal's (RLD) President Jayant Chaudhary addressed an OBC convention in Nand Nagari. He praised Prime Minister Modi for honouring the OBC community within the government and party organization, claiming this respect has garnered firm support for the NDA from the OBC community. Delhi BJP Vice-President Kapil Mishra also addressed conferences focusing on OBC and Poorvanchal Morcha in West Delhi and North West Delhi constituencies respectively.

The series of events underscored the BJP's comprehensive campaign strategy for the Lok Sabha polls, focusing on economic achievements and community engagement to secure electoral support in Delhi.