While stressing on transformation of the economy through transportation at the inauguration of Bogibeel bridge on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took several subtle potshots at the Opposition Congress.
Addressing a massive gathering during the inaugural function of India’s longest rail-cum-road bridge (4.94km) in Dhemaji district, Modi reminded the turnout about the alleged dilly-dallying by and the lack of focus of the previous governments vis-a-vis key on infrastructure projects.
He did not name the past governments but his speech left none in doubt that he was targeting the Congress with his subtle digs.
“While only three bridges were built over the Brahmaputra in 60-70 years, three more have been completed in the past four-and-a-half years alone. Another five, he said, are in progress,” Modi said in his rousing speech.
Modi took charge as the Prime Minister in May 2014 after unseating the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government at the Centre.
The Congress had been in power at the Centre for most part of the “60-70 years” period Modi alluded to. Secondly, the three bridges (second Saraighat, Dhola-Sadiya and Bogibeel) have taken place during Modi’s tenure. The three bridges over the Brahmaputra completed before 2014 May included the Jogigopa, Saraighat and Kaliabhomora.
The inauguration of the second Saraighat bridge, the Dhola-Sadiya bridge and on Tuesday, the Bogibeel bridge, have taken place during Modi’s tenure.
Modi highlighted how several key projects were not completed after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee lost power in 2004 and how the topmost priority was being accorded to key infrastructure projects after May 2014.
Towards the end of the speech, he also slipped in a couple of lines about the AugustaWestland chopper scam, which allegedly took place during the UPA regime.
Without naming Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the chopper scam, Modi said nobody thought he could be brought to India but his government has made it possible. Michel was extradited from the UAE early this month and is in custody of the Enforcement Directorate.
