Bantwal : The mass convention of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) and distribution of LPG connections to beneficiaries under extended – Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana – 2 scheme was inaugurated by MP Prahlad Joshi at B C Road, on Friday, January 25.

Mr Joshi addressed the gathering and said, “I had reviewed the existence of gas connection in the country. The provision of gas cylinder was started in the year 1955. Before the Vajpayee tenure only seven crore people had gas connections. During Vajpayee government six crore more people benefited with gas connection. But UPA, in its complete tenure, gave gas connection to maximum 15 crore people.”

“When Modi came in to power, he asked us to frame a policy so that the gas connection should reach out to every household. There is difference between those who do research on poverty and those who face poverty and the latter know how to find a solution. Since the inception of PMUY, six crore people have benefitted,” he said.

“Some question about Acche din. Acche din comes for people not for the Congress party. For congress, Acche din never comes. When UPA government was in power, they used to do only seven kilometers of national highway per day. When Vajpayee came to power, this was extended to 13 kilometers per day. Now, after Modi came to power, national highway work is completed at the rate of 40 kilometers per day,” observed Mr Joshi.

“Congress has looted this country more than the British did. Our country was one among the five fragile countries. Now it has attained fifth position in terms of economic growth. If it has to reach number one position, then people should bless Modi in the upcoming elections. Rahul Gandhi is one who makes the speech which is written by others,” he added.

“Rafael deal was brought by Vajpayee government as per the demand of air force. When UPA government came to power, they delayed this for 10 years and never fulfilled the demands. Now they unnecessarily accuse BJP on Rafale deal. The problem of duplicate Gandhi is in their DNA. Throughout the Congress regime, since Nehru, the government was involved in one or the other scam. Now Priyanka Gandhi has entered into politics. People should not forget that Priyanka Gandhi is the wife of Robert Wadra, who is involved in several land scams,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for drinking water and sanitation Ramesh Jigajinagi said, “Close to 10 crore people did not have gas connections. Now, due to the decision of Modi, close to six crore people have benefitted with this PMUY scheme. Many governments came and went, but they did not have concern for women and for poor. Modi took the initiative and made this gas connection to reach every household with this scheme. Modi government has given corruption-free administration, whereas, Congress, in the name of poverty, gained vote but never favoured the poor. Modi has introduced 40 schemes for the poor which have reached every household in the country.”

Addrssing the gathering, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said, “The PMUY has reached six crore people and we will distribute gas connection to 42 beneficiaries symbolically. Within a week Belthangady will be a smoke-free taluk. Similarly, all taluks will become smoke-free in coming days. I have been criticized in last 10 years. But I am proud that every scheme which was introduced by Modi has reached to the doorsteps in the district with the help of 23 mass conventions.”