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Updated: May 02, 2019 11:59 IST

Union Transport Minister and senior leader of BJP–Nitin Gadkari–on Wednesday, criticised the Congress saying the party has always pitched ‘poverty eradication’ to citizens as a means to come into power. However, he said, that only those belonging to the Congress and ‘the family’ have prospered.

Gadkari said the nation has witnessed unprecedented growth in BJP’s five-year regime, while addressing a meeting in favour of BJP’s Mandi candidate Ram Swaroop Sharma, at Sangla, Kinnaur district.

“Even today, people are suffering from poverty. And even after 72 years, there is lack of basic amenities. India is a rich country, but Congress’ wrong policies and visionless leadership from Jawaharlal Nehru to Rajiv Gandhi are responsible for the prevailing poverty in the country,” he said.

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Praising Himachal for its potential in tourism sector, the minister said that the state has seen a spike in tourism during the past five years because the Centre has strengthened the road network in the state. Gadkari said there is a great need to lay thrust on industry and agriculture sectors to generate employment opportunities.

“The Centre has decided to transfer cash directly to the small farmer’s accounts who will get Rs 6,000 per year, of which the first installment of Rs 2,000 has already been deposited,” he added.

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He further said, “As many as 69 roads have been declared as national highways at a cost of Rs 50,000 crores. The three main roads of Himachal has been brought under the Bharat Mala project and new work will start on about 600 km highway to help the state forge ahead on the path of development with more speed.” Gadkari also said he showed the model of sky bus to CM Jai Ram Thakur for which a detailed project report is being prepared.