Developing East India is essential for India’s overall development, says PM Modi in an exclusive interview.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an exclusive interview with NDTV today, expressed the BJP’s intention to significantly expand its presence in eastern India, potentially propelling the NDA alliance to over 400 seats. He emphasized the party’s dedication to developing eastern India as a vital contributor to the country’s growth, recalling his 2013 speech where he stressed the importance of making the region the nation’s “growth engine.” Highlighting the governance model put forth by the BJP, the Prime Minister characterized the upcoming election as a potential referendum on the party’s leadership.

He cited the BJP’s focus on health and infrastructure as factors that will be reflected in the electoral results, particularly in eastern states such as Telangana, Odisha, Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Assam, where he anticipates significant growth for the BJP. The Prime Minister set ambitious targets for the BJP and the NDA, indicating a need to expand beyond the traditional strongholds in the Hindi heartland. Specifically, he referenced the party’s focus on southern states beyond Karnataka and eastern states like Bengal and Odisha.

In Bihar, where PM Modi recently conducted a roadshow, the BJP and its ally Janata Dal United, led by Nitish Kumar, are aiming for a strong performance. The alliance has allocated a significant number of seats, with the rest divided among other regional parties. Addressing the empowerment of women, PM Modi reiterated his commitment to providing opportunities for women, highlighting the inclusion of women in the Indian Army, including their presence in Siachen, guarding the nation.

He emphasized the transformative psychological impact of these developments.