5-hr govt script, starring Bollywood

Mukesh Ranjan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 28

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a mega show, “Ek Nayi Subah”, organised by Doordarshan and telecast from five centres, today claimed that his government had brought a “generic change” in the lives of people. He dwelt at length as to how direct benefit transfer (DBT), Jandhan Yojna and, distribution of LED bulbs in 500 cities had made a difference in the life of the people and the country.

The event ran into unforeseen trouble with the national Capital witnessing a thunderstorm and huge traffic snarls in and around the venue, India Gate.

Concluding the five-hour show, which was run in segments with Union Ministers participating in each of them, the Prime Minister said, “Evaluation of the performance of the government is the legitimate right of the people in a democracy. But this should be done not in isolation, rather with respect to what the previous regimes have done.”

Mentioning the cancellation of coal allocation by the Supreme Court, he said. “When we took over, everywhere there was talk of corruption. After we assumed office, we could re-allocate the mines and several crore of rupees have been deposited in the Centre’s treasury."

The event, that was reportedly conceptualised by an event management company, felt like a national festival. It saw the participation of several Bollywood stars, including Kailash Kher, Vidya Balan, Kajole and R Madhavan. The latter hosted the show in Delhi along with DD anchor Neelam Sharma.

The government showcased its achievements in implementing its flagship programmes — Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Swachh Bharat, Digital India, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna.  

The inaugural session focused on the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, which was attended by film star Amitabh Bachchan. The actor stressed on the importance of protecting and nurturing the girl child.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan ambassador Balan spoke about the campaign.