NE growth & unity topmost priority: PM

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

AGARTALA, March 9:  Prime Minister rendra Modi on Friday said his Government had accorded the highest priority to the unity and development of India’s north-eastern region. “The Central Government is working for the unity, integrity and development of the north-eastern region,” he said at a public function where a Bharatiya Jata Party (BJP)-led Government headed by Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb assumed office here.

Modi said: “In the past four years I have come to Northeast India more than 25 times — this is much more than what previous Prime Ministers did after Independence. This confirms how much the Centre is concerned for the development and welfare of Northeast India.”

He said people wanted the Government to work for their well-being and prosperity. “Democracy will be reinforced when people participate in it wholeheartedly.

“Those who voted, or not voted, for the BJP... the Government that assumes office today (Friday) is for all, irrespective of party affiliation, caste, creed and religious affinity,” he added.

Prime Minister rendra Modi today described the State Cabinet led by Biplab Deb as new and fresh who have a vision and promised all help on his behalf to convert Tripura into a developed State. He said, “They are fresh, young and have a vision and agility to work. I am confident that with blessing of the people of Tripura they will be able to convert it into a developed State,” he said while delivering his speech after the swearing-in of the newly installed Ministry in the State. He urged the people to extend all cooperation to take the State in the path of development.

He conveyed his gratitude to the people for reposing faith in the BJP and advised the new Ministers to remember that this is a Government for the people who voted for you and also for those who has not voted for you.

He told all the Ministers and the MLAs not to deviate from their commitment given to the people. “Development is possible only if everyone extends their cooperation,” the prime minister said 

Without referring to the previous Government, the Prime Minister stated, “Now you will realize what is good governce and participatory democracy where everyone has a say.” 

Referring to his Government’s mantra ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, Modi said a new phase of development began when a BJP-led Government came to power at the Centre four years ago.

A new chapter would now start for the all-round growth of Tripura, he added.

Modi spoke mostly in Hindi, with a smattering of Bengali and Kokborok.

Before addressing the crowd, he had a word with outgoing Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and his successor Biplab Kumar Deb.

Speaking on the occasion, BJP tiol president Amit Shah reiterated that “Tripura will be converted into a model State.”

In his brief speech, Chief Minister Deb said he and his Government needed help and support from all concerned, irrespective of party affiliation.

“Please point out our loopholes, if any, and deficiencies in plans whenever we do anything wrong,” Deb told the audience.

For the first time in Tripura, the swearing-in of new Council of Ministers took place outside the Raj Bhavan at the Assam Rifles ground.