PM Modi Launches Rs 1,492 Crore Projects in Tarakeswar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented projects worth over Rs 1,492 crore spanning agriculture, railways, connectivity, and healthcare at an event to mark Paschimbanga Divas in Tarakeswar on Saturday. Addressing his first public rally since the new Chief Minister's swearing-in, Modi said winds of change have brought 'a new freshness and fragrance' to Bengal.
'Paribartan bhalo lagchhe to? (Are you enjoying the change),' Modi asked as he began his address, and added, 'There is a new freshness in Bengal's air and a new fragrance. It seems Bengal has been freed from a shackle. Bengal's glory has started coming back. Your votes and one election have changed so many things.'
Key Agricultural and Infrastructure Announcements
Over the next 35 minutes, the PM unveiled several initiatives in agriculture, social welfare, and infrastructure. He announced the release of over Rs 900 crore to nearly 45 lakh farmers in Bengal under the 23rd installment of PM-KISAN scheme and extension of crop insurance to about 50 lakh farmers cultivating 14 lakh hectares in the state.
He also announced railway infrastructure projects worth over Rs 492 crore, a Rs 100-crore divisional railway hospital, a 315-km road construction project under PMGSY, modernisation of a fishing harbour in South 24 Parganas, and a fish market at Sainthia in Birbhum. The Centre will focus on raising agricultural productivity in backward districts like Purulia, Darjeeling, Alipurduar, and Jhargram, he said, adding that these schemes will strengthen the state's rural economy.
Double-Engine Government's Rapid Progress
Modi said the double-engine government has begun 'working superfast' to compensate the 'shortcomings' of the previous Left Front and Trinamool governments. 'Decisions are now being taken at lightning speed. Pending projects are being completed. The earlier government had stalled projects due to political rivalry. Those projects have started now,' he said, citing the completion of the stuck Metro Railway work at Chingrihata.
Investment and development, the PM said, depends on two key factors – honest and capable governance and the rule of law. 'There is no middleman now. Akhon cut money sesh; kaaj suru hoye gache (Cut money has ended, work has begun). Those who had looted people are returning money. Those who ran syndicates are apologising to people. No illegal money is being collected at toll gates,' he said.
Fulfilling Pre-Poll Promises
The PM also referred to pre-poll promises and the progress made on them, including the implementation of Ayushman Bharat, benefits under Annapurna Bhandar, Jal Jeevan Mission, and free bus rides for women. 'We are working on Mission Purvoday and Bengal has a big role to play here. The first condition for development is peace and social stability. That has to be strengthened in Bengal. We have to move ahead with everyone,' he said.
Historical Significance of Paschimbanga Divas
Stressing the importance of Tarakeswar, where Syama Prasad Mookerjee had led a three-day convention of Bangiya Hindu Mahasabha in 1947 to demand a separate Hindu-majority homeland, Modi alleged that attempts had been made to 'whitewash' history. 'The thought behind preventing Bengal from becoming a part of Pakistan needed to be taken forward. Unfortunately, the opposite to that happened. History was whitewashed and the idea of Paschimbanga Divas was pushed back. Appeasement started in Bengal and history was buried,' he said, underlining the significance of June 20 being observed as Paschimbanga Divas.
Alleging that 'ideologies from outside' were imposed on people during decades of Congress, Left Front, and Trinamool rule, the PM said, 'Let us resolve that we will not repeat that mistake. A new history will be written taking inspiration from Paschimbanga Divas.'
