Developing East India is Crucial for India’s Development: PM Modi’s Exclusive Statement

In an exclusive interview with NDTV today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the BJP is aiming to significantly expand its presence in eastern India, to comfortably surpass the 400-seat mark for the NDA. Emphasizing the party’s focus on the region, he described it as a key growth engine for the country, referencing his 2013 speech which outlined the importance of developing East India for national progress. Addressing the question of whether the upcoming election would serve as a referendum on the BJP’s governance model, PM Modi highlighted the party’s governance achievements and the need for a forward-looking approach. He also expressed confidence that the election outcomes in the eastern states would reflect the BJP’s accomplishments in fields such as health and infrastructure, citing Telangana, Odisha, Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Assam as areas where the BJP is expected to make significant gains.

The Prime Minister also mentioned the BJP’s targets of 370 seats and the NDA’s 400-seat target, indicating the party’s aim to extend its influence beyond the traditional Hindi heartland and make inroads into southern states like Karnataka, as well as eastern states such as Bengal and Odisha. He further highlighted the party’s ambition to secure a sweeping victory in Bihar, where the BJP and its ally Janata Dal United are set to contest a significant number of seats. Speaking about women empowerment, PM Modi reiterated his commitment to providing opportunities for women and empowering them, citing the opening of doors for women in the Army and their active involvement in safeguarding the nation, including in places like Siachen. He emphasized the need for societal and psychological change to support the empowerment of women.