Highlighting the achievements of the NDA government so far, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has asserted that zero corruption, e-governance initiatives and increased transparency in the last two years reassured the people that there was something to hope for in the country’s march towards higher growth rate and development.
Mr. Parrikar arrived here as part of the Vikas Parv programmes organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party State leadership which was aimed at explaining to the people about the efficient manner in which various development and welfare programmes of the Union government were being implemented under the NDA rule.
Party meet
Mr. Parrikar met local leaders at the BJP office, interacted with the city’s elite and also addressed a party meeting.
Highlighting the government’s achievements at a press conference held at the BJP office on Wednesday, Mr. Parrikar reiterated that zero corruption would remain the hallmark of the NDA regime given the fact that there was not a single charge or allegation of corruption in the past two years.
In the coal blocks allocation worth Rs. 3 lakh crore, utmost care was taken to prevent any scope for allegations and there was no single case of irregularity so far, he added.
Regarding criticism against Prime Minister Narendra Modi making frequent visits abroad, Mr. Parrikar underscored the need for such itineraries as they would go a long way in raising the levels of international exposure that the country would need for getting greater cooperation from the world countries for India’s own development. In course of time, Ministers would also pay more visits abroad to secure greater cooperation in different sectors, he said.
Mr. Parrikar said that Mr. Modi’s address in the U.S. Congress had helped in changing the old perceptions about India and triggered discussions on the country’s capabilities for future opportunities in areas like technology and investment.
When asked about the issues concerning non-fulfilment of promises regarding special status to Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Parrikar said that there were certain legal issues creating hurdles in this aspect but A.P. would remain ‘special’ for the Centre in terms of sanctioning new projects and institutions like the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Nellore district.
BJP national vice-president Dinesh Sarma, State president K. Hari Babu, district president P. Surender Reddy and others were present.
