PM Modi Condemns Congress-DMK Rule in Puducherry During Project Launch
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for multiple development projects valued at more than Rs 2,700 crore in Puducherry on Sunday, delivered a sharp critique of the previous Congress-DMK administration. He asserted that the people of Puducherry endured significant hardship under that regime, characterized by political instability, widespread corruption, rampant crime, and the suffering of impoverished communities.
Allegations of Mismanagement and Corruption
Modi detailed specific grievances from the Congress-DMK era, stating that ration shops frequently lacked rice, salaries were consistently delayed, and the streets were dominated by goons and drug mafias. He accused the Congress party of transforming Puducherry into an "ATM for one family that sits in Delhi," and referenced the DMK's involvement in numerous scams in Tamil Nadu. According to Modi, these parties acted as a "speed breaker" in Puducherry's development trajectory and are now seeking to regain power, posing a risk of returning to an era of corruption and crime that he believes the citizens of Puducherry firmly reject.
Vision for a Developed Puducherry by 2047
Highlighting Puducherry's historical significance in India's freedom struggle, Modi emphasized the need to build a developed Puducherry and India by 2047. He credited the "double-engine government"—referring to the collaboration between the central NDA administration and the Union Territory—for fostering good governance and development over the past four and a half years. Modi reiterated his "BEST Puducherry" mantra, which focuses on Business, Education, Spirituality, and Tourism, noting that this vision is now yielding positive results.
Economic and Social Progress Under NDA
The Prime Minister praised Puducherry for achieving an impressive rise in per capita income and securing the highest Social Progress Index score in the country. He expressed confidence that the double-engine NDA government would further accelerate Puducherry's growth. The newly launched projects, worth over Rs 2,700 crore, are expected to transform lives by enhancing infrastructure and connectivity.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Initiatives
Modi underscored connectivity as a cornerstone of progress, outlining efforts to improve both rural and urban infrastructure. Key initiatives include:
- Construction of hundreds of kilometers of rural roads to benefit students, farmers, workers, and small businesses.
- Decongestion projects in Puducherry town, totaling over Rs 1,000 crore, featuring a Rs 440 crore flyover.
- Upgrades to the East Coast Road and Grand Southern Trunk Road to reduce travel time between Puducherry and Chennai to approximately one and a half to two hours.
- Completion of the Puducherry to Cuddalore National Highway and ongoing upgrades to the Karaikal National Highway.
Additionally, Modi announced an investment of more than Rs 30,000 crore in road projects along the East Coast Corridor up to Kanyakumari, which will link Puducherry to major economic hubs like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Coimbatore. These enhancements are anticipated to significantly boost tourism, trade, and industry in the region.
