PM Modi invokes Vajpayee to propagate development agenda in poll-bound Chhattisgarh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday invoked former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee to spread his development agenda in poll-bound Chhattisgarh and accused the UPA government of ignoring the state during their tenure.

Praising Raman Singh, Modi said the Chhattisgarh chief minister had implemented former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision of development and progress by emphasising on stability, respecting the law and order and peace.

"It is a pleasant experience for me to see the fast-paced development in a state whose formation was the vision of our honoured Atal ji and hard work of all of you. The vision of Atal ji is being taken forward by Chief Minister Raman Singh with dedication," the prime minister said.

Taking a jibe at the previous UPA government, PM Modi said Singh had been demanding an IIT in the state but was ignored for a long time.

"Raman Singh Ji had been demanding an IIT in the state for long but you know what kind of people they (the previous government at Centre) are.

"When the NDA came to power, Chhattisgarh's long-standing demand for an IIT was fulfilled and IIT Bhilai was established," Modi said at a public rally at the Jayanti Stadium in Bhilai as part of the state government's month-long Vikas Yatra.

The prime minister also laid the first stone for a new building of IIT Bhilai, which will be completed at an approximate cost of Rs 1,100 crore.

Modi launched various development projects worth Rs 22,000 crore in the state while saying development is the only answer to violence, which goes to polls later this year.

"I think development is the only answer to violence and conspiracy of any sort. The trust emanating from development ends violence of any type," said PM Modi while listing various initiatives undertaken by the BJP-led government at the Centre and the state.

Accordingly, Chhattisgarh has received Rs 3,000 crore as additional funds, which would be spent on hospitals, schools, roads and toilets, he said, adding that his government was working towards increasing the income of tribals and those living in backward areas.

Naya Raipur will pave the way for a new India, the prime minister said.

Modi also dedicated to the nation the extended and modernised Bhilai Steel Plant of SAIL.