In a significant pre-election announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed on Saturday that his government will extend the free ration scheme for the impoverished population for a five-year period. The Prime Minister made this declaration during his election rallies in Durg and Ratlam, using the opportunity to criticize the Congress party, accusing it of perpetuating poverty, PTI reported.
Addressing the crowd in Durg, PM Modi stated, "I have decided that the BJP government will extend the scheme of providing free ration to 80 crore poor people of the country for the next 5 years. Your affections and blessings give me the power to make such decisions." He echoed a similar sentiment in Ratlam, describing the extension of the free ration scheme as a "guarantee of Modi."
PM Modi emphasized that this extended support would help the underprivileged save money for other essential needs. He emphasized that a guarantee from Modi implies a promise that will be fulfilled.
It is worth noting that in December of the previous year, the government had announced its commitment to providing free foodgrains to over 81 crore people for one year under the National Food Security Act.
During his rally in Durg, the Prime Minister also reflected on the creation of Chhattisgarh, crediting a government led by the BJP. He asserted that the BJP is committed to ensuring prosperity in the state and took a strong stance against the Congress party.
"Congress never gave anything to the poor except deception. Congress never respects the poor. They never understand the pain and suffering of the poor," PM Modi said.
He further pointed out that the BJP's manifesto is designed to realize the dreams of the people of Chhattisgarh. He promised that the party would stand by its commitments, stating, "In this manifesto, our mothers, sisters of Chhattisgarh, the youth, and the farmers here have been given the highest priority. BJP's track record is that we do what we say."
In addition to discussing policy, Prime Minister Modi also targeted Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who faced allegations related to a betting app. The Prime Minister accused the Congress-led government in Chhattisgarh of engaging in corrupt practices, leaving no stone unturned to accumulate wealth. The opposition, however, rejected these allegations, attributing them to the BJP's dissatisfaction with the ongoing assembly polls in Chhattisgarh.
PM Modi concluded by assuring the public that agencies would thoroughly investigate all cases of corruption in the state, promising accountability for every misappropriated penny.
Elections for the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly are set to take place in two phases, with the first phase scheduled for November 7 and the remaining 70 seats to be contested on November 17. Madhya Pradesh will also go to the polls on November 17, while Mizoram, Rajasthan, and Telangana will conduct elections on various dates in November, with the counting of votes set for December 3.
