Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, highlighted the Centre's infrastructure and development initiatives in poll-bound Punjab and targeted the AAP government in the state.
Addressing a gathering in Jalandhar, Modi said that although the BJP is not in power in Punjab, the Centre is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the state's development.
He claimed that the Punjab government failed to utilise the funds that the Centre has been transferring in the past 12 years to the state. Targeting the AAP, he said, "Serving the public requires honest intentions and a spirit of integrity. However, the party currently in power in Punjab possesses neither. It is known as a 'Kattar Beimaan Party' (hardcore dishonest party). The Central government is making every possible effort to ensure that the people of Punjab benefit from all its schemes."
He said new rail services had been launched from Jalandhar, including a train connecting Amritsar and Kashi, while the Daulatpur Chowk-Kartoli railway line had also been inaugurated. He said the foundation stone had also been laid for the Ludhiana bypass, and another section of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway had been opened.
Modi asserted that the Centre was implementing several connectivity projects across Punjab despite the state not having a BJP government.
"Today, the government of India is working on numerous connectivity infrastructure projects in Punjab. Although there is no BJP government in Punjab, the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre is sparing no effort to ensure the state's development," he said.
The prime minister also referred to the launch of the country's first hydrogen train earlier in the day and the foundation stone laying for a Sikh museum in Kurukshetra, saying the museum would help preserve and pass on the Gurus' teachings to future generations.
Highlighting the Centre's governance approach, Modi said the BJP government was guided by the mantra "Nagarik Devo Bhava", with the objective of improving citizens' lives and creating new opportunities for progress.
He also stressed the government's focus on modernising the railway network, saying previous governments had failed to prioritise railway development.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, more than 1,300 railway stations are being modernised, with work already completed at several stations, he said, adding that 75 such stations were inaugurated on Friday.
"When you visit the Jalandhar Cantt station, you will realise that our country is truly moving towards becoming a developed nation... The Jalandhar Cantt station has been modernised, and its capacity has increased significantly. Similarly, the stations at Anandpur Sahib, Muktsar, and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar have also transformed. Our new railway stations are also becoming hubs for trade and business,” he said.
He also paid tribute to Sardar Teja Singh Samundri on the 100th anniversary of his martyrdom, describing him as a leader who dedicated his life to safeguarding Sikh interests and serving the nation.
Earlier in the day, he unveiled multiple development projects worth over Rs 4,700 crore in Chandigarh after flagging off India's first hydrogen-powered train between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana.
