MARGAO: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a crowd of nearly 30,000 to 40,000 people at the ‘Viksit Bharat-Viksit Goa’ rally
held at KTC bus stand, Fatorda on Tuesday, outlining his vision to position Goa as an educational and logistics hub, in addition to its existing prominence in sports and tourism.
During his speech, Modi emphasised the government’s efforts to promote Goa as a conference hub and diversify its tourism offerings beyond eco-tourism. He highlighted Goa’s achievement of saturation in numerous schemes and expressed plans for employment generation in the fishing sector, along with the upliftment of the fishing community.
In his address, which lasted nearly 30 minutes, Modi refrained from making political statements or new promises, focusing instead on highlighting various schemes implemented by the Union and State governments for the welfare of the people.
Before his speech, Modi virtually inaugurated several projects, including the NITC Goa campus at Cuncolim, NIWS Goa campus at Dona Paula, and a waste management facility at Curchorem. He also laid the foundation stone for a ropeway project between Panjim and Reis Magos Fort and a 100 MLD water treatment plant at Xelpem. Additionally, he distributed appointment orders to 1,930 government scheme beneficiaries.
“This land was the inspiration for Swami Vivekanand. The people of Goa are known to the world as the happiest people. Similarly, Goa has set a perfect example to the nation pertaining to overall development. The BJP government will make Goa the centre of attraction, as Goa’s name has already reached across the world,” said the Prime Minister.
Modi praised the State for achieving 100 percent electricity and LPG coverage in every household. Modi is of the opinion that ‘saturation’ is the real security and social justice. “Even the Union Budget is focussed on saturation. The BJP government is doing record investment pertaining to infrastructure,” said Modi.
“When saturation occurs, discrimination ends. When saturation occurs, the full benefit reaches every beneficiary. When there is saturation, people do not have to pay bribes to get their rights. That’s why I say again and again – saturation is true secularism. Saturation is true social justice. This saturation is Modi’s guarantee to Goa and the country,” he remarked.
He reiterated his commitment to Goa’s development, mentioning projects like the Mopa airport, new Zuari Bridge, and railway routes. Modi also commended Goa’s religious harmony.
“Some parties have always indulged in spreading fear and lies. The way in which people of other religions and Christian live in harmony in Goa is an example of ‘Ek Bharat’,” he stated.
He mentioned the State’s natural beauty and heritage and lauded the government’s efforts to promote eco-tourism.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, along with Member of Parliament Shripad Naik, Sadanand Tanavade,
Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, and Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the State’s progress under the BJP government.
Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai accompanied PM Modi during the rally.
