Addressing an assemblage of editors and senior mediaprsons here on Saturday, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs S Jaishankar opined that in the 2024 elections, people of the country should vote in an overwhelming majority for Prime Minister Modi in order to make India walk proudly among the comity of nations. During the last ten years from 2014 to 2024, Modi has fulfilled his promises by providing food guarantee, education and health guarantee, house for the poor and would be able do so in future if the people bless him this time with a clear mandate.
He said this by explaining that the world today is in a state of flux; and so, we need the strong and stable leadership of Modi. Even after the pinching times of Covid-19 in India, the country emerged triumphant when most of foreign countries were unable to come out of its vicious tentacles. Not only had India come out successful, but the country has registered a GDP growth of 7%, which has proved the resilience of Indian economy.
Asked about our issues with Canada, Jaishankar clarified that most of the Khalistani leaders are trying to avail their political legitimacy from the Canadian Government, which has been asked to refrain from such pro-Khalistani attitude by giving space to the rebels to carry on their activities from the Canadian soil.
Explaining about Modi’s popularity as a world-class leader, he said that when Modi visited Pacific countries, he was given a thunderous ovation and when he had been to Australia, he was addressed by Australian Prime Minster as his “Boss”. Even USA President Biden wondered regarding the groundswell of popularity of Modi and desired to study the secrecy about it.
On being asked when China is ready with a 14-trillion economy today we are at 3-trillion economy and why such a gap is created between our neighbouring country and us, Jaisankar explained that it was during the UPA Government that retreat and retrogression in our economy had taken place and that during Modi’s regime the country is making giants strides.
While referring to the Chinese issues, he said the India under Modi’s leadership proved its stand in the GalwanValley and is ready to further retaliate without compromising national interest. He also eulogised Modi’s leadership in G-20 nations when India has impressed all the members of G-20 by its ideal leadership.
He, however, lamented that Odisha should have achieved a great deal owing to vast natural resources compounded with the beauty and bounty of Nature, but it has failed to do so during the last 24 years.
At the outset, BJP State spokesperson Sajjan Sharma had introduced the guests to the mediapersons. Prominent among others present were former BJP State president Samir Mohanty and spokespersons of the party Sudipta Ray and Anil Biswal.
