Union Ministers, BJP leaders hail Modi for sops

Union Ministers and BJP leaders on Saturday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modis special address to the nation during which he the praised the countrymen for their support to demonetisation and announced a slew of sops.

The sops were announced for the poor, farmers and small traders. Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah described Modi's address as visionary and futuristic.

"The Prime Minister has given a futuristic and visionary address to the nation, sharing a series of welcome initiatives for poor and farmers. The announcements will give a strong impetus towards giving housing to the poor, neo-middle class and middle class," said Shah.

"Wonderfully articulated the passion and enthusiasm with which 125 crore Indians supported the movement against corruption," he added.

"Prime Minister - Thank you for your inspiring address. You rolled out your vision with clarity, sensitivity and firmness," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Twitter.

"The Prime Minister has today lived up to the expectations that he is 'messiah' of the poor. Today he has taken care of all vulnerable sectors," said Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu.

"Every segment has been taken care of, the poor, middle class, senior citizens, women, farmer, small and medium entrepreneurs," Naidu said.

Naidu gave a "special thanks" to Modi for reducing interest rate on housing. "A big boost to housing sector and big boon to the poor and middle class," he added.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the prime minister's announcements would enhance economic activities and said the Modi government was committed to cleanse political funding.

"The prime minister's announcements will enable a cleaner and bigger GDP. Agriculture, MSME and housing will get a fillip," he said.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the decision to give relief to farmers on interest payments and conversion of 3 crore Kisan Credit Cards into RUpay Cards will greatly help the farmers.

"New Year's eve brings landmark reforms for farmers, women and lesser privileged sections of society," said Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani.

She said the measures for MSME would drive the economy and transform India into the land of job creators while the reforms for farmers will act as catalyst in enhancing their agricultural produce income.

"Rebate on home loans announced will be a major step towards realising the mission of housing for all'," she said.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan praised Modi for advocating transparency in political parties.

--IANS

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