Earlier govts had no guts to scrap Article 370: Modi

Mumbai, October 17

The entire world can see the new-found confidence of New India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday. Addressing BJP’s campaign rallies for the October 21 Maharashtra Assembly elections at Pune, Satara and Parli, Modi said despite a lot of talk in the last 70 years, it was only his government which dared abrogate Article 370.

“The entire world can see the new-found confidence of New India. Everyone can feel the change. They are discussing HowdyModi (event in the US),” Modi said at the Pune rally. “Haven’t you felt the effect of the New India in the last 100 days of our second term? Do you see its power? Do you see its decision-making abilities and clarity in ideas?” Modi asked the crowd.

“Since the last 70 years, the entire country was facing the hurdle of Article 370. There was a lot of talk to remove it, but no one dared to do it. Was this the first government in India with a full majority? No, it is not,” he said.

The government has recently taken a lot of measures to bolster the economy, Modi said. “We have taken steps to promote manufacturing, start-ups, and have given sops in corporate tax,” he said.

“Our government will take every step needed for the bright future of the Indian youth and investment,” he said. India today is one of the top-FDI friendly countries in the world, Modi said.

“Every business leader I have had a discussion with globally is keen to come to India. The growth in investment in India in the last five years has been five times,” he said. Be it the government, businessmen or the youth, everyone needs to stay ready for the new economy of New India, he said.

At the rally in Satara, Modi asserted that his government adheres to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s principles of nationalism and national security, and possess the strength to give a befitting reply to those who have “evil designs” on India. Modi said that as Shivaji Maharaj did, his government too has worked to strengthen the defence forces. 

“In the last five years, our government has brought our armed forces on a par with the armed forces of other countries. Be it Army, Navy or Air Force, modern weapons are a part of our armed forces today,” he said.

“We have taken decisions for national integration which earlier governments had no guts to take,” he said. — PTI

‘Not afraid of changes’

The decision (to abrogate Article 370) wasn’t an easy one to make. Whenever we bring a change to the ongoing situation, protests are expected. But the India of 21st century isn’t afraid of changes. — Narendra Modi, PM