Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot over the "red diary" episode, saying Congress was running a 'loot ki dukaan' in the state. Giving the slogan of 'Nahi Sahega Rajasthan', PM Modi said the people of Rajasthan won't tolerate atrocities on sisters and daughters.
Addressing a public gathering in Sikar, PM Modi said the Congress party's "dark deeds" were recorded in the red diary.
"The Congress has only run 'loot ki dukaan' and 'jhooth ka bazaar' in Rajasthan in the name of running government. The latest product of this 'loot ki dukaan' is the red diary," PM Modi said.
Last week, sacked Rajasthan minister Rajendra Gudha claimed he had a "red diary" containing details of financial irregularities involving Chief Minister Gehlot and others. Gehlot had sacked Gudha after he criticised his own government in the Assembly over crime against women.
PM Modi also accused the Congress government of creating hurdles in development works in Rajasthan. "Our government has given over Rs 1.5 lakh crore to Rajasthan as central grant. However, ever since the Congress came to power here, only hurdles are being created in the work of development," the PM said.
Taking a dig at the name of the Opposition alliance, PM Modi said the parties want to cover up their "old deeds" through the label of "INDIA"
"Had they really cared about India, would they have asked foreigners to interfere in India?...They had once given the slogan 'Indira is India, India is Indira'. At that time, they were uprooted by the people. These people of arrogance have done this again. They say 'UPA is India. India is UPA'. People will treat them the same once again," PM Modi further said.
In an outreach to the farming community, PM Modi said the government was standing shoulder to shoulder with the farmers of the country as he launched several projects for their welfare in poll-bound Rajasthan.
Addressing the gathering in Sikar, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects, PM Modi said, "Today, after so many decades since Independence, such a government has come to power, which understands the pain and sorrow of the farmer, understands the concern of the farmer. That's why decisions have been taken continuously in the interest of the farmers in the last nine years."
The Prime Minister also released around Rs 17,000 crore as the 14th instalment to about 8.5 crore farmer beneficiaries under the PM-KISAN scheme. In the event, the Prime Minister also dedicated 1.25 lakh PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK) to the nation and launched "Urea Gold" scheme.
The Cabinet had approved the introduction of sulphur-coated urea, known as Urea Gold, last month in a bid to improve soil health and reduce input costs for farmers.
This marks the first-time use of this type of urea in the country. Sulphur-coated urea is more economical and efficient than other types.
"Our government will not allow farmers to suffer due to price of urea. Farmers in India get urea sack for Rs 266. It is available in Pakistan for about Rs 800, Rs 720 in Bangladesh and Rs 2,100 in China," PM Modi said.
READ | PMO Removed My Pre-Scheduled Address: Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot Ahead Of PM Modi's Event
The Prime Minister said creating modern infrastructure in Rajasthan was the priority of the government. "India can only develop when its villages do, govt working to provide in villages every facility available in cities," he said.
PM Modi also inaugurated six Eklavya model residential schools located in Udaipur, Banswara, Pratapgarh and Dungarpur districts of Rajasthan. Kendriya Vidyalaya Tiwari in Jodhpur was also inaugurated by PM Modi during the programme.
My Address Removed, Claims Rajasthan CM Ahead Of PM Modi's Event
Controversy erupted ahead of PM Modi's visit to Rajasthan after Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot claimed the PMO (Prime Minister's Office) removed his pre-scheduled three-minute address from the event in Sikar.
"So, I will not be able to welcome you through speech. Therefore, I am giving you a hearty welcome through this tweet," Gehlot tweeted.
The Rajasthan CM also took a swipe at PM Modi for visiting the state for the seventh time in six months. Rajasthan goes to polls later this year.
Replying to Gehlot's tweet, the PMO said the Rajasthan CM was invited as per protocol but the CM's office said he won't be able to join the programme.
"In accordance with protocol, you have been duly invited and your speech was also slotted. But, your office said you will not be able to join. During PM's previous visits as well you have always been invited and you have also graced those programmes with your presence," the PMO said.
"You are most welcome to join today's programme. Your name is very much there on the plaque of the development works as well. Unless you have any physical discomfort owing to your recent injury, your presence will be deeply valued," the PMO further tweeted.