Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the BJP's campaign for a second term in Himachal Pradesh by speaking at election rallies in the cities of Solan and Sundernagar. He urged voters to start a new tradition by returning the BJP to power and to ensure stability and development through the "double-engine" government, which is in place both at the federal level and in the state.
PM said “If you want to seek accountability and answers from the government, you should give it a chance again. Together, we will take Himachal forward, start new ‘riwaaz’ (custom), and bring BJP back to power.”
Modi also asked people to go for the ‘Kamal Ka Phool’ (lotus) symbol on the ballot and vote for BJP without bothering about the candidate, a remark clearly aimed at deflating the party rebels who are in the fray. “For three decades, there was instability in Delhi, governments came and went, and thousands of crores were wasted in elections that happened repeatedly. People then came to the conclusion that only a stable government could reverse the country's fortunes, and in 2014, they elected a stable government.
He said Congress gave empty promise of ‘One Rank One Pension’ for 40 years, but it was BJP government which delivered it. Making false promises and giving false guarantees has been the Congress’ old trick, he alleged, adding that BJP implemented promises like abrogation of Article 370 from J&K and building Ram Temple at Ayodhya.
In a veiled attack on AAP, the third political force in the state this time, he cautioned people against “selfish groups”, saying they call themselves ‘kattar imaandaar (very honest)’ but are the most corrupt and conspire to divide society.
At the start of his speech, Modi struck a chord with the people, stressing the time he had spent in the state many years ago while working for his party organisation.
