Inadequate power supply locked down Aligarh's 'lock' factories: PM Modi

Holding Samajwadi Party-led Uttar Pradesh Government's policies responsible for the locking down of Aligarh's world-famous lock industries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the ruling dispensation's failure in the state to provide enough power supply has shut the industries and has taken away bread and butter of thousands.

"So many manufacturing plants were shut and Aligarh's famous locks came to use in order to lock them. You know the reason behind these plants shutting down? It happened because the UP government could not give them electricity," Prime Minister Modi said while addressing an election rally in Aligarh.

Further asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) only agenda is development, he said, "We are working day and night to ensure that every corner of India has electricity. We are making good progress. I am confident that electricity will reach every factory and household very soon. We are very close to achieving this. In fact we are working towards Uttar Pradesh's Vikas. By VIKAS I mean V - Vidyod (electricity), K - Kanoon (law and order), and S - Sadak (roads)".

He said, "Last time before the general elections when I visited Aligarh, the attendance was not even half of what it is today. I thank you all for your love and support".

Stating that the BJP is bringing the 'wind of change' he said, "See winds of change in Uttar Pradesh. The winds are fierce this time. The winds are so strong in favour of the BJP that the chief minister is holding on to just about anyone he can find".

He added that Uttar Pradesh wants justice, "These days, people are issuing a fatwa against me every day. Because I am tightening the screws, because I am asking for an account of the crimes they committed over 70 years".

Boasting on the recent demonetisation move, the Prime Minister said, "On November 8, I announced the banning of 500-and 1000-rupee notes. There was chaos amongst these corrupt people. They had to then deposit the money in bank accounts. We want that this money come to good use, for the benefit of our youth and development of our country. I am thankful to 1.2 billion people for supporting me".

Commenting on the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh, the Prime Minister said, "Coming to the law and order situation in UP... Tell me, once the sun sets, can a sister or mother of any household leave their homes? Should women not have equal rights are men? Should the women be not given protection?"

"I appeal to you all - my brothers and sisters - to save Uttar Pradesh from bullies and goons. Throw out these people who have done nothing for you, who have abandoned you, and left you without security. It is sad to see that if a person complaints about a bully or a goon, and he happens to be a relative of a politician, the complainant is scrapped. Are these the kind people who you want should run UP?" he asked.

The largely populous poll-bound state of Uttar Pradesh is all geared up to choose their next leader in a seven-phase election starting from Feb 11.

The votes will be counted on March 11.