Modi asks why Jharkhand has remained poor despite having abundant resources

Addressing a massive rally, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on Sunday asked why a state like Jharkhand is called a poverty-stricken state despite possessing abundant resources.

"Why does a state like Jharkhand, which has abundant resources to compete with any European nation, is called a poor state? The answer is the people who were at the helm of affairs after India got independence. Their parties and leaders are answerable to the questions of the people," said Modi.

Modi said the people of Jharkhand had always demanded a separate state but the government never paid heed to the concerns of the people.

"They suppressed the voice of Jharkhand's people for 50 years and sometimes even used force for it."

"But it was Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who understood the emotions of the people of Jharkhand and helped in carving out Jharkhand from Bihar," he added.

Earlier today, the Gujarat Chief Minister Modi arrived near the venue in a helicopter from the Birsa Munda airport.

The security personnel ensured tight security arrangements for Modi's 'Vijay Sankalp' rally held at the grounds of Prabhat Tara School.

Barricades had been set up and metal detectors were installed to ensure thorough security check. The grounds were also monitored with CCTVs.

Police also heightened vigil at Ranchi and Hatia railway stations.