Modi seeks clear mandate in Jharkhand

Ranchi  :  Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday urged the people of Jharkhand to give a clear mandate in upcoming assembly elections in the state.

“In the life of boys and girls, the 13-18 years period is crucial. Jharkhand is 13 years old. People should give a clear mandate to shape up the state,” Modi told a meeting here.

“My government is taking one decision after another very fast. We are able to do this because people gave a clear mandate to us,” he added. “A stable government can perform.”

Modi flew into Ranchi to inaugurate the transmission line of the Power Grid Corp of India Ltd (PGCIL) power grid transmission situated at Bero in Ranchi.

He also laid the foundation stone for a 2,000 MW power plant of the National Thermal Power Corp (NTPC) in North Karanpura. He also inaugurated four other projects or laid foundation stones.

The Bero grid has been built at a cost of Rs.1,600 crore.

The prime minister expressed unhappiness over a power plant project in North Karanpura which has been pending for 15 years.

“Former prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee laid the foundation stone of the project but no work took place in the last 10 years,” he said, referring to the decade of Congress rule. “I will complete the project.”

Modi stressed the need for the country’s uniform development. He also reiterated his government’s plans for a digital India.

“Vajpayeeji created Jharkhand so that it can play a vital role in the development of the country. Jharkhand is a naturally rich state and has the potential to become a developed state.”

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren faced some awkward moments as Bharatiya Janata Party activists raised slogans hailing Modi while he was speaking.