Will take all along, fight poverty: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

New Delhi: Virtually adopting the Congress’ longstanding slogan of “Garibi Hatao”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday sought to make elimination of poverty from India central to the NDA government’s roadmap for governance. Invoking Mahatma Gandhi, Ram Manohar Lohia and Deendayal Upadhya, the PM declared that the poor had the first right to public resources irrespective of their caste, creed or religion.

In his maiden address in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, Mr Modi insisted, “The government should work for the poor. If the government does not pay heed to the needs of the poor, people will never forgive it. And so the government will devote all its efforts to empower the poor and give them strength to fight poverty.”

Referring to the recent incidents of rape in Uttar Pradesh, including Badaun, he said that strong action should be taken to stop violence against women. He added: “The biggest weapon against poverty is education and an end to blind faith.”

Putting behind the aggressive bashing of political rivals in the election campaign, the PM made a serious bid to transform himself into a statesman, reaching out to all sections of Parliament in a bid to “carry everyone along” while bringing the nation back on the growth path.