May 20, 2024 2:05 PM.
Campaigning has intensified for the remaining two phases of Lok Sabha elections. Senior political leaders are crisscrossing the states, holding public meetings and road shows to garner support for their parties.
Prime Minister and senior BJP leader Narendra Modi is holding multiple rallies in Odisha and West Bengal today. In Odisha, Mr Modi addressed public meetings at Dhenkanal and Cuttack. Mr Modi said, Cuttack is one of the oldest existing cities in India and is the hub of modern education. He said, the city is a catalyst for increasing the capabilities and capacities for Bharat to make it a developed nation. He promised to increase the Minimum Support Price of rice crop from 2,200 to 3,100 rupees per quintal if voted to power in the state. Mr Modi said, people in Odisha are suffering from poverty despite the state being rich with natural resources. He alleged that Odisha’s minerals and culture are not safe under BJD rule. He criticised the Naveen Patnaik government for not taking steps for the welfare of farmers and youth during its 24-year rule. The Prime Minister appealed to the voters to come forward for a change of government in Odisha that can lead the state on the path of prosperity.
Prime Minister Modi also led a two km long roadshow in the holy town of Puri this morning.
Later in the day, the Prime Minister will address public meetings at Jhargram and Tamluk in West Bengal. Odisha Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik is also scheduled to hold a mega roadshow and series of public meetings this evening. Senior BJP leader Amit Shah held a rally at Karnal in Haryana today. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Yogi Adityanath addressed a rally at Chandigarh. Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav addressed a public meeting at Domariyaganj in Uttar Pradesh.