UPA government kept on delaying bullet-proof jackets for six years: PM Modi in Himachal Pradesh

With the seventh and final phase of Lok Sabha elections just a few days away, political bigwigs are looking forward in the final week of campaigning before May 19. From Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam to Punjab's Bathinda to Himachal Pradesh's Solan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also seen juggling between multiple public meetings on Monday.

Addressing a rally in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district, PM Modi stepped up his attack on the Congress, accusing the grand old party of using defence deals as automated teller machines (ATM) during the 10-year-long UPA regime. The prime minister also claimed that had the previous government maintained the growth rate achieved during former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee' term, then it would have been much higher now.

India used to depend on foreign countries for 70 per cent of the needs of the armed forces, Modi said, adding that the previous UPA dispensation kept on delaying the purchase of bullet-proof jackets for our jawans for six years.

PM Modi addresses public meeting at Solan, HP. Dial 9345014501 to listen LIVE. #DeshModiKeSaath https://t.co/hTx8H9zgn5

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"Congress and it's 'mahamilavati' friends postponed important decisions and the decisions that were taken, were also taken in such a way that the country had to bear the brunt of it," Modi was quoted as saying by media.

The prime minister also hit out at the Congress over party leader Sam Pitroda's remarks on the anti-Sikh riots, saying the "namdaar" asks for votes in the name of their ancestors, but when questioned on their misdeeds, they say "hua to hua" (whatever happened, has happened).

Modi slammed the Congress-led Opposition and said that their "only mission" was to defeat Modi while his aim was to "build India on an international platform".

"Those who are themselves on bail search new words from their dictionary daily to abuse your 'chowkidaar'. But your 'chowkidaar' is not going to budge because of their abuses, finally I have eaten Solan's mushrooms," he added.

Aiming for a bigger victory than in 2014 elections, Modi also appealed to the first-time voters for ensuring development in this General Elections.