{"id":37771,"date":"2019-03-28T10:22:44","date_gmt":"2019-03-28T10:22:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/qatar-news.org\/qatarnewsEn\/?p=37771"},"modified":"2019-03-28T10:22:44","modified_gmt":"2019-03-28T10:22:44","slug":"indias-modi-talks-up-development-in-big-rally","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/qatar-news.org\/qatarnewsEn\/?p=37771","title":{"rendered":"India’s Modi talks up development in big rally"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a massive rally Thursday in India\u2019s most populous state of Uttar Pradesh, where he exulted the achievements of his government and derided attempts being made by opposition parties to unseat him.<\/p>\n

Why UP?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Modi\u2019s Bhartiya Janata Party is vying for votes in Uttar Pradesh — seen as a key state to win the election.<\/p>\n

The enormous state lies in India’s north and has a population of 200 million people; if it were a country, it would be the fifth largest on the planet.<\/p>\n

As India’s most populous state, it has the largest parliamentary representation and holds huge political sway. <\/p>\n

But Modi is facing tough competition in Uttar Pradesh from a coalition alliance formed by two regional parties — the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party — and India\u2019s main opposition party, Congress.<\/p>\n

Modi touts development<\/strong><\/p>\n

The rally in Meerut is Modi’s first since dates for the general elections were announced — officially kicking off election season in the world\u2019s largest democracy.<\/p>\n

Speaking to thousands of people on Thursday, Modi touted accomplishments that he said his government has achieved during his tenure, including action to address terrorism, and providing electricity and cleaner fuel to the poor.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is no corner in the country that has been untouched by development from us. Our first time voters when they go to the booth and before they press the button to vote for BJP, they will take a vision of development with them,\u201d said Modi.<\/p>\n

The state is one of India’s most poverty-stricken<\/a> states and home to 8% of the world’s poor.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But Modi has been repeatedly criticized <\/a>for not doing enough to create jobs across the country. <\/p>\n

\u201cIn the coming days, I will put forward the work done by the government. Our vision is of a new India and of the kind of India that is proud,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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Bharatiya Janata Party supporters seen during Sankalp Rally at Gandhi Maidan on March 3, 2019 in Patna, India. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n