Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken cudgels for small farmers and entrepreneurs by pitching himself as their ambassador to pursue their interests.
Addressing a public meeting in his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi on Friday, Modi noted his espousal of ‘vocal for local’ theme was aiming at promoting small artisans and local entrepreneurs, who could not afford newspaper and TV ads.
Modi is the ambassador of small farmers and small entrepreneurs to promote local products and artisans, he said.
“When I nudge people to buy Khadi and wear Khadi, then I connect the women, dalits and backwards communities associated with Khadi to the markets,” he noted listing traditional toys and tourism in the same category.
He observed his ‘Make in India’ push supported small and cottage industries, and the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME).
Modi underlined a developed India could be realised only when the smaller constituents such as small farmers, artisans are revived and supported.
Meanwhile, Modi launched or inaugurated 35 development projects totalling more than Rs 13,000 crore in his constituency.
He maintained these projects pertaining to dairy, energy, roads, textile, healthcare, culture, logistics, transport, water, education etc will benefit not just Varanasi but the entire Purvanchal (Eastern UP) region.
The PM said his consecutive third term at the Centre will propel India into a different era of development and faster growth trajectory even as he reiterated his “Modi ki guarantee” catchphrase.
“In 10 years, India moved up from the 11th to the 5th place in terms of economy. In the next five years, India will become the world’s third largest economy,” he said, claiming UP had decided to give all 80 Lok Sabha seats to the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).