Noida, Mar 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged citizens to work with dedication and unity to tackle global challenges and achieve ‘Viksit Bharat’, while cautioning political parties against making statements that could harm national interests amid the West Asia conflict.
The Prime Minister on Saturday inaugurated the Noida International Airport and in his address said it was essential for India’s 1.4 billion people to work hard and face global crises collectively, while stressing that the government prioritises securing India’s interests and safeguarding “families and farmers”.
Modi, who laid the foundation stone for the greenfield airport in November 2021, emphasised that the government was focused on enhancing citizens’ convenience by saving time and reducing costs.
Referring to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, he said he had discussed the situation in detail in Parliament and also held extensive and “very positive” deliberations with the chief ministers of various states.
“I once again appeal to the people of the country that we must face this crisis calmly, with patience and unity. This is a global crisis, but we must prioritise India’s interests. That is our greatest strength,” he said.
The Prime Minister urged political parties to refrain from making “irresponsible” statements during such times.
“Those who make remarks that harm the country may gain some points in political debates, but such actions will never be forgiven by the people,” he said, recalling how voters rejected misinformation campaigns during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The remarks come against the backdrop of political controversies during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had publicly expressed reluctance to take a COVID-19 vaccine, triggering a political debate over vaccine hesitancy.
The controversy was a talking point in the run-up to the 2022 UP Assembly elections, in which the Samajwadi Party was defeated, and the BJP retained power.
Modi said that India is confronting the challenges arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia with full strength.
Highlighting that India depends on crude oil and gas from conflict-affected regions, Modi said the government is taking necessary steps to ensure the burden does not fall on families and farmers. (PTI)
