Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday sought change from the people of Haryana and urged them to vote for the BJP so that it forms the government with a full majority after the assembly polls Oct 15.
Addressing his first election rally after the April-May Lok Sabha elections, Modi said that the elections for Haryana's 90 assembly seats would decide the future of the state.
"I want you to vote for the BJP so that it forms the government with full majority. Change is important if you want to move forward. Make Haryana free from the Congress misrule," Modi said.
Blasting the Congress, which has been in power in the state for the last nearly 10 years, Modi said that Haryana had lagged on most parameters. The reference was clearly to Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda's 'No. 1 Haryana' claim.
"Do the youth of Haryana want to lead the life that their parents have led? For jobs, peace and prosperity, change is required," he said in his address of nearly 30 minutes at the HUDA ground here.
Taking a dig at the Congress, Modi said: "People who could not do anything in the last 60 years are seeking answers from us."
Without naming anyone, Modi said that lies were being spread by the Haryana government about the centre banning exports of Basmati rice.
"People are telling lies. You are being misled. The Basmati ban thing is a complete lie. Haryana farmers are suffering because the Haryana government has levied a four percent tax and the farmers cannot compete with others," he pointed out.
Taking on the INLD, Modi said that if the party gets elected, people from Haryana will have to go to Tihar jail to get their work done. The reference was to INLD leader Om Prakash Chautala who is serving a 10-year jail term after being convicted in a teachers' recruitment scam.
Pitching for a BJP government in Haryana this time, Modi said that all governments in Haryana in the last 15 had used 'goondas' to grab land, houses and extort money.
"I want to get you rid of all this," he said.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app