PM Modi dig at opposition: 'Parivar ka saath, parivar ka vikas'

VARANASI/BHOPAL: PM Narendra Modi took a swipe at the opposition Friday, saying that those hankering after power focus solely on promoting their own families, while his govt works on the theme of inclusive development .

At a public meeting in Varanasi, after inaugurating 19 projects and laying foundations of 25 projects worth Rs 3,884 crore, Modi invoked Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and wife Savitribai Phule on Jyotika Phule's birth anniversary for their work on women and Dalit empowerment. "Their ideals inspire and energise us... This is unlike the power-starved opposition, which only focuses on family growth." "Those who play political games day and night are driven by the principle of parivar ka saath, parivar ka vikas," he said in a veiled swipe at Congress and SP.

Transferring the bonus of Rs 106 crore to bank accounts of 70,000 dairy farmers associated with Banas (Amul), Modi said, "In direction of realising the resolve of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, livestock-keeping families in Purvanchal are being especially promoted."

Later on Friday, at Anandpur Dham in MP's Ashoknagar, Modi said progress and protection of traditions will go hand in hand as India races towards Viksit Bharat . "In a country like India, our culture is not only linked to our identity, it is our culture that strengthens our potential," he said.

Addressing devotees after praying at Guruji Maharaj temple, Modi said his govt has set 2047 as the target for Viksit Bharat."I have full faith that we will achieve this target. But in this path, we have to keep important traits in mind. We see that many countries of the world got alienated from their traditions and culture during the journey for development. They forgot their traditions. In India, we must protect our ancient culture," he added.