NDA's Commitment to National Progress and Empowering the Poor, Says Prime Minister Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the commitment of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to advancing national progress and uplifting the underprivileged. This statement was made during a meeting with NDA chief ministers and deputy chief ministers, following the swearing-in ceremony of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in Panchkula. Modi highlighted discussions on governance and improving citizens' lives, stating, "Our alliance is committed to furthering national progress and empowering the poor and downtrodden."

The meeting, held at a five-star hotel in Chandigarh, was attended by 17 chief ministers and 18 deputy chief ministers. Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, and BJP President J P Nadda were also present. The NDA aims to build on its success in the Haryana assembly elections as it prepares for upcoming polls in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Nadda briefed reporters that the prime minister stressed good governance, urging attention to pro-people initiatives.

Focus on Governance and Development

During the meeting, six resolutions were discussed and passed unanimously. Nadda mentioned a proposal by Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the 50th anniversary of the Emergency. Shah stated, "Democracy was murdered in 1975 with the Emergency. In 2025, we will discuss the murder of democracy." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh suggested celebrating the Amrit Mahotsav of the Constitution in 2025.

The prime minister expressed happiness over Jammu and Kashmir's oath-taking ceremony being conducted under India's Constitution for the first time. Nadda noted that this marked a significant moment since Article 370's abrogation. Omar Abdullah was sworn in as Jammu and Kashmir's chief minister, marking the first elected government since 2019.

Resolutions and Future Plans

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presented a resolution addressing misinformation spread during Haryana polls. The BJP received support from various groups, including farmers and youth. Nadda announced celebrations for former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 100th birth anniversary next year, along with tributes to Birsa Munda and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu discussed initiatives like Atam Nirbhar Bharat and Digital India. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami focused on Digital India, while Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis talked about contributing to a USD 5-trillion economy. The five-hour meeting covered social and health issues extensively.

The prime minister emphasised making India TB-free through a mass movement approach. He also advocated for promoting the "ek ped, maa ke naam" campaign as a public initiative. All attendees described the meeting as productive, resolving to achieve targets with renewed enthusiasm.

Participants and Strategic Goals

The meeting saw participation from Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, Goa CM Pramod Sawant, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav, Assam's Himanta Biswa Sarma, Nagaland's Neiphiu Rio, Arunachal Pradesh's Pema Khandu, Chhattisgarh's Vishnu Deo Sai, Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma, Manipur CM N Biren Singh, Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang, and Tripura CM Manik Saha.

Deputy CMs from Bihar Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar were also present. This conclave marked a significant gathering of NDA CMs after several years.

With upcoming elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand next month, the BJP and its allies aim to leverage their victory in Haryana to strengthen their position against opposition alliances.