India: PM Modi addresses rally in Meerut ahead of Uttar Pradesh polls

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Opposition parties in the state of Uttar Pradesh saying that even if he wants development in UP, there are governments here that will create obstacles.

Addressing his first rally in Meerut ahead of the first phase of the UP assembly polls, Modi said, "What is the state of Meerut? Is there a guarantee that a common man will return home alive every evening? Even if I want development in UP, there are governments here that will create obstacles."

Questioning why the youth of UP did not have employment opportunities even after so much potential, Modi said his party's fight was against SCAM. "Out fight is against SCAM - Samajwadi, Congress, Akhilesh and Mayawati. Do you want SCAM or BJP? Do you want SCAM or UP's development?" he asked.

Modi also said that if they have a state government that creates obstacles then the development works will get stalled in Lucknow. "Nothing will reach people," he said.

Further claiming that there is no legal action taken on the culprits behind killings in UP, he added, "Why are innocent citizens being killed? Why are innocent traders being killed? There is no fear of the law among the killers."

The Prime Minister also attacked the Congress saying, "Those who have been rejected by the people, how can they talk about saving the state?"

"We are willing to do everything for the growth of UP. To change the fortunes of UP, change the government in the state," he appealed to voters.

(This first appeared in DNA)