PM Modi speaks in local dialect in Himachal's Mandi, says was blessed to be in 'Chhoti Kashi'

Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Mandi, December 27

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday attended the ground breaking ceremony for 287 investment projects worth over Rs 28,197 crores in Mandi to mark the fourth anniversary of the Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government in the state.

Donning a long woollen coat and hand gloves amidst chilly weather, Modi presided over the second groundbreaking ceremony of the Himachal Pradesh Global Investors' Meet that is expected to give a boost to investment in the region through the start of projects worth around Rs 28,000 crore.

The first groundbreaking ceremony was held in the state capital in December 2019 amid the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. A total of nearly 100 investors were present on the occasion.

Speaking in the local Mandiyali dialect, PM Modi said he was blessed to be in “Chotti Kashi”.

“I share a very special emotional bond with Himachal and the state has had a very positive impact in shaping and giving direction to my life,” he said.

He added that he still relishes the taste of Mandyali cuisine of “sepu vadi and meetha”.

He heaped praises on the chief minister for steering the state on the path of development amidst Covid pandemic.

The PM said the four hydro projects would not only help generate energy but create employment opportunities, adding that Himachal would earn a revenue of Rs 125 crore from Sawra Kuddu project while the major portion of the income from the Renuka project would be utilised on improving facilities in the area.

The PM said it was essential to protect environment while setting up development projects. 

“It is also the responsibility of tourists coming to Himachal not to litter the hills and rivers with plastic,” he urged. 

He said his government’s thrust was on proper plastic waste management. He said Himachal had set an example through organic farming as the state. He said the state has an immense potential in pharma, food processing and agriculture, which must be developed.

He said while the BJP regime believed in Sabka Vikas - Sabka Saath while the others parties “in their own development”.

“We believe in Beta Beti Ek Samman, which is why we feel marriage age for both boys and girls must be the same so that they can study and be financially independent,” he remarked.

The PM said Covid vaccination of children in the age group of 15-18 years would begin from January 3 while precaution dose would be administered to health care workers and people above the age of 60 with comorbidities from January 10, 2022.

In an oblique reference to the Congress he said, while they believed in politics of “vilamb” (delay), the BJP believed in politics of “vikas” (development). He cited the example of Atal Rohtang tunnel and Renuka hydro project being delayed.

He said the “double engine” BJP regime at the centre and in the states ensured implementation of all projects in the state. 

Modi said Himachal was land of “anushsan” (discipline) and of valiant soldiers. He said his regime had given one rank one pension to serving and retired army personnel. 

He said the state had immense potential for religious tourism, which must be tapped. He said Himachal had emerged as a model hill state, which was ranked at the top in several sectors.  He assured HP of all help and assistance in its match on the path of development.

Chief Minister Jairam Thakur welcomed the Prime Minister by offering a Himachali cap and a shawl. A traditional artifact of Chamba made on silver was presented to Modi, who was accompanying his Cabinet minister Anurag Thakur, who belongs to the state.

Amidst recitation of Sanskrit 'shlokas', the events also marked the completion of the four years of the BJP government.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur said it was the vision of PM Modi who made the completion of Rohtang Atal tunnel and construction of roads and rail network in Himachal Pradesh possible.

Jai Ram Thakur said Himachal was blessed to have received special love, affection and help from PM Modi who considers the hill state his home. 

“You are familiar with not just every nook and corner of the state, but you know majority of the party leaders and workers by name,” said Thakur.

Mandi is known as “Chotti Kashi” while you represent Kashi, which now stands transformed. He said that he too was trying to develop Himachal and rest of the state from tourism point of view.

“We are implementing Shiv Dham project here in Mandi to promote tourism and rich culture of the state,” he said.

The CM said every possible effort will be made to ensure that the BJP wins 2022 Assembly elections.

PM Modi inaugurated the 111MW Sawra Kuddu hydel project and laid foundation stones of Renuka (40 MW), Luhri I (210) and Dhaula Sidh (66MW) hydro projects. 

Himachal will get 12 per cent free power from these projects on commissioning.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.