“Notification exposes lies of Congress leaders’ claim that so-called ‘ban’ on cotton exports was ‘lifted’ at their behest”
– Narendra Modi
Gandhinagar, Monday: Chief Minister Narendra Modi described the Congress-ruled Centre’s latest notification on cotton export announced today as cheating with lakhs of cotton growers of Gujarat and other states.
Reacting sharply to the notification, he said it clearly states that it never allowed exports of cotton and it would also investigate the export of the commodity earlier, incorporating a clause that registration allowed earlier have to be reinvestigated with no time frame.
It has also exposed the lies of AICC political secretary Ahmed Patel and other Congress leaders from Gujarat that the so-called ban on export was lifted by Union Commerce Minister Anand Sharma at their behest. The tall claim has burst like a balloon.
He recalled that in his earlier letter to the Prime Minister asking him to withdraw the ban on export as he had expressed suspicion that it was to help certain vested groups. His suspicion seems to have proved correct.
Mr. Modi said that it was only after the entire cotton supply chain of Gujarat, starting from farmers and market yards to ginners’ association collectively threatened indefinite strike that the government allowed the lie to circulate to give an impression that the ban has been lifted. It was a lie to mislead the farmers and common man.
The Chief Minister said that the Gujarat farmers would not take this cheating by the Congress led Central Government lying down.
PM Modi lays foundation stone, inaugurates various development works worth Rs.18,700 crore in Kolkata, West Bengal
March 14, 2026
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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated various development works worth more than Rs.18,000 crore in Kolkata, West Bengal, today. Addressing the gathering the Prime Minister remarked, "Today, from the land of Kolkata, a new chapter of development is being written for West Bengal and Eastern India."
The Prime Minister highlighted that the foundation stones and dedications of projects worth more than ₹18,000 crore related to roads, railways, and port infrastructure have been carried out at this event. He emphasized that these projects will give new momentum to West Bengal and Eastern India, boost trade and industry, and make life easier for lakhs of people by providing them new opportunities. Referring to some of the key projects, the Prime Minister noted that the completion of the Kharagpur–Moregram Expressway will accelerate economic activities across many parts of West Bengal. He also mentioned the Dubrajpur Bypass and the major bridges being constructed over the Kangsabati and Shilabati rivers, which will further improve connectivity. "I congratulate the people of West Bengal and the entire Eastern India for these transformative projects," remarked Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister stated that a vigorous campaign is underway across the country to modernize the Indian Railways, and it is the firm resolve of the government that West Bengal does not lag behind in this mission. He pointed out that the Central Government is rapidly expanding the railway infrastructure in West Bengal. On this occasion, the Automatic Block Signalling System on the Kalaikunda–Kanimahuli section has been dedicated to the nation. "These initiatives will enhance the capacity of busy rail routes, make journeys safer, and also increase speed and convenience for passengers", asserted Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister announced the inauguration of six stations, Kamakhyaguri, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum, and Siuri,as Amrit Bharat Stations. He noted that the great culture of Bengal is now shining even more brightly at these stations, and several more stations are undergoing redevelopment. A new express train service between Purulia and Anand Vihar Terminal has also been flagged off. "This train service will benefit not only the people of West Bengal but also those in Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi" , affirmed Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister emphasized that ports and water transport play an equally important role as road and rail connectivity in driving economic progress. He observed that for decades, this immense potential of Eastern India was largely neglected, but today, waterways are opening new avenues for trade and industrial advancement. In this direction, foundation stones and dedications of key port infrastructure projects have been carried out. The Prime Minister highlighted that Kolkata and Haldia ports have long been major centres of trade in Eastern India, and the mechanization of the Haldia Dock Complex will accelerate cargo operations, enhance port capacity, and provide new facilities for trade. Additionally, the renovation of the Bascule Bridge in the Kolkata Dock System and the augmentation of cargo handling capacity at Kidderpore Dock are also being undertaken. "All these projects will further strengthen the logistics system of Eastern India", asserted Shri Modi.
In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister underscored that the new projects related to roads, railways, and ports are paving the way for a modern future for West Bengal. He noted that the benefits of these projects will reach farmers, traders, entrepreneurs, students, and every section of society. New opportunities will emerge in sectors like tourism, and local industries and services will gain fresh momentum. The Prime Minister recalled Bengal's historic role in showing the way to India and expressed his conviction that strong connectivity and modern infrastructure will form the foundation of a developed Bengal. "It is our resolve that Bengal, which has always shown the way to India, should once again achieve that glory by becoming a 'Viksit Bengal' ", emphasized Shri Modi.
आज देश में रेलवे को आधुनिक बनाने का तेज अभियान चल रहा है।
हमारा ये संकल्प है कि पश्चिम बंगाल इस अभियान में पीछे न रहे।
इसीलिए, केंद्र सरकार, पश्चिम बंगाल के रेलवे इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर का भी तेजी से विस्तार कर रही है: PM @narendramodi