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In a passionate speech delivered in Panvel, Raigad district, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined his vision for the region's future, highlighting its potential as a burgeoning hub for data and artificial intelligence (AI). The speech, delivered during the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly elections, was a blend of political campaigning and a showcase of the BJP-led Mahayuti government's achievements. Modi invoked a sense of emotional connection with the people of Raigad, reminiscing about his visit to the Raigad Fort in 2013, where he sought the blessings of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He emphasized the significance of the large gathering, interpreting it as a testament to the state's unwavering commitment to development and a clear indication of the BJP's electoral prospects.
Modi's address was a calculated mix of praise for the Mahayuti government's initiatives and scathing criticism of the Congress party's policies, particularly their record on poverty alleviation. He declared that the government had successfully lifted 25 crore people out of poverty, a feat he attributed to a range of initiatives such as providing pucca houses to the homeless, toilets for poor families, and access to clean water through the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme. He further highlighted the benefits of schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, Mudra Yojana, and Ladki Bahin Yojana, emphasizing their role in empowering the fishing community, women entrepreneurs, and girls, respectively. Modi's emphasis on these programs aimed to solidify the BJP's image as a party that delivers tangible benefits to the people.
The core of Modi's message, however, focused on Raigad's transformative potential. He announced the construction of Asia's second-largest data center park in Taloja, a ₹30,000 crore project expected to place Raigad-Panvel at the heart of India's burgeoning data and AI landscape. He further touted investments in infrastructure projects like the Navi Mumbai airport, Vadhavan Port, Samruddhi Mahamarg, and Mumbai Coastal Highway, highlighting their role in reshaping Maharashtra's economic landscape. These announcements were strategically designed to appeal to voters seeking a brighter future for the state, positioning the BJP as the party best equipped to deliver on their aspirations.
Modi's speech was punctuated with sharp attacks on the Congress, accusing them of perpetuating poverty and lacking a genuine commitment to the welfare of the poor. He cited the Congress's recent proposal to offer subsidized LPG to Hindus, Muslims, and Rohingyas as evidence of their opportunistic approach. This rhetoric was clearly intended to further the narrative of the BJP as the party of national unity and development, contrasting them with the Congress, who were portrayed as divisive and ineffective. Ultimately, Modi's address in Raigad was a multifaceted campaign message, blending appeals to emotion, promises of economic prosperity, and targeted criticism of the opposition. The outcome of the Maharashtra elections will reveal the extent to which these messages resonated with voters.
Source: Raigad-Panvel will be a big centre for data and AI: PM Modi