TSIT ■ Sundernagar (HP)
Launching his election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday pleaded electorates in this Himachal Pradesh town with a promise to set ‘naya rivaj’ (new tradition) to re-elect the BJP government in the state.
Eyeing to woo female voters, who outnumbered male voters in every election, he asked them to visit door to door in this area to convey “my greetings” to them as this time elections are very crucial. “The people of Himachal are determined to make a strong comeback of the BJP government. This land of soldiers, this land of brave mothers, when it takes a resolution, it only shows it by proving it,” said Modi, who donned a Himachali cap, in his nearly 40-minute address in this town in Mandi — the home district of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur. On his arrival, Modi was extended rousing reception by party workers and sympathizers, some donning traditional dresses. Many women were present en route, waving their hands at the Prime Minister’s arrival. The Prime Minister said this time Himachal’s election is special. “This time, one vote each, to be held on November 12, will decide the development journey of Himachal for the next 25 years.” Trying to build an emotional bond, Modi said: “I have visited Sundernagar several times before. I have also trekked inaccessible areas of Siraj, Kullu, Kinnaur, Chamba and Kangra. The roads here, such a beautiful BBMB lake of Sundernagar, how can anyone forget.” Taking a jibe at the state’s main opposition Congress on the day it launched its poll manifesto, the Prime Minister said for the party staying in the government has been like running erstwhile kingdoms.
