PM Modi terms new Railway zone NDA's gift to Andhra Pradesh

Visakhapatnam: Stating that the National Democratic Alliance government had fulfilled a long-cherished dream of Andhra Pradesh and especially of Visakhapatnam by announcing the South Coastal Railway zone, which had been rejected by the earlier United Progressive Alliance government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Telugu Desam supremo and Chief Minister N. Chandra-babu Naidu has been spreading lies and falsehood to hide his failures.

Addressing a huge gathering of Praja Chaitanya Sabha at the Railway Grounds in the city on Friday, Mr Modi said that Mr Naidu is a U-turn specialist and has done nothing for the state.  “U-turn specialist Chief Minister has done nothing for AP. Had they done anything, they would not have resorted to spreading lies. Since they did nothing, they are now busy spreading lies and falsehood. To hide their failures, they are abusing me to fool the public.”

Mr Modi said, “They are now forming alliances by pledging Telugu pride to remove Modi. These corrupt leaders of AP are trying to remove Modi because I am taking strong decisions in the interest of the people and not their whims and fancies. A few corrupt people have obstructed the development of Andhra Pradesh. These are the same people who are interested in establishing their own sons and daughters.”

He said such people were spreading misinformation against the NDA government. “We do not fear corruption cases and dynasties, unlike the ruling party leader here. Which is why we are taking decisions without fear in the best interest of the people,” he said.

Mr Modi said the new railway zone will bring economic development to the state. “I have brought sweet news to you in the form of the South Coastal Railway zone with headquarters in Vizag. We have moved one step closer to fulfilling our commitment beyond what is mentioned in the AP Reorganisation Act. This will create jobs, improve the economy and develop the region.”

He said it “reflects the NDA's commitment to developing Andhra Pradesh.” He called Vishakhapatnam “the city of dreams” and said the central government is duty bound to fulfil the aspirations of the people.