Bharat Mata ki Jay..!  Bharat Mata ki Jay..!

National President of Bhartiya Janata Party and the great son of this land Shri Rajnath Singh Ji, Our senior leader and mentor Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi Ji, President of Uttar Pradesh BJP Shri Laxmikant Bajpai Ji, Shri Kalraj Ji, respected Shri Kalyan Singh Ji, Shri Om Prakash Singh Ji, Shri Amitbhai Shah, Shri Rameshwar Chaurasia, Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat, Shri Lalji Tondon Ji, Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi Ji, Shri Ramapati Ji, Shri Surya Pratap Ji, all the senior leaders of BJP present on the dias and all the people who have come here from every corner of Kashi, I bow down to this huge audience and greet you all..!

I have come from the land of Somnath to take blessings of Baba Vishwanath. Friends, in our country it is happening for the first time that such excitement is observed just before the elections. Political parties become more active before elections, blame games take place, there are efforts to increase the voter base, all this is normal, but this is for the first time when the people from every corner of the country are getting eager and aggressive to deroot the Delhi Government..! I can see that the 2014 elections will not to be fought by any party, 2014 elections will not be leaded by any individual, but 2014 elections will be contested by people of this country, by every voter of the nation..!

Friends, whenever India will be discussed or have been discussed in past, the discussion is incomplete without discussion of river Ganga. For others, Ganga can just be a river, but for us, Ganga is not just a river but it is like our mother..! Ganga is not just a stream of water; it is a stream of our culture..! Friends, a lot many schemes have been formulated for cleaning Ganga, huge budgets have been spent, so many committees have been constituted, but it can’t be understood that is the money also being flushed down Ganga..? Forget about cleaning the Ganga, at least through all these budgets, through these schemes, the continuous degradation in the river could have been prevented..! But this did not happen. UPA Government with all the enthusiasm and zeal prepared a plan for cleaning the Ganga and highly publicized it, and even people started feeling that something would happen, people believed and brought them in power, but my friends from Uttar Pradesh, from this holy land of Mother Ganga I would say this to all my countrymen that UPA Government did nothing except three meetings in these five years..! I request the Government of Delhi, I request Hon. Prime Minister to give a detailed account to the people of nation that what have they done for cleaning of river Ganga..? They have asked for votes in the name of Ganga since the time of Rajeev Gandhi, they have tried to reposition them in front of the nation in the name of purification of Ganga, thousands of crores of public money has been taken for this purpose, now people of this country are asking for answers that what have you done for the purification of Ganga, when did you do anything for this purpose, how did you do it, and people of country also want to know for whom did you do it..!

Friends, I want to know this from people of the country, especially from people of UP, that the way in which they have been fooled in the name of Ganga, they have been kept in dark, and the way they have been cheated, should such people get a chance to form the government again who have sinned even in the holy name of Ganga..? Tell me loudly, those who have messed up and ruined Ganga even more, should they be allowed to come in government again..? Can we hand over the nation to them..? The people who can’t take care of Ganga, how will they take care of the nation..! Friends, do not faultier to think that the residents of the areas where Ganga flows from are the reason of its pollution. Friends, before cleaning of Ganga, Delhi needs to be cleaned, Lucknow needs to be cleaned, then only Ganga can be purified..! With these people in power Ganga can never be depolluted..!

These days people ask me a question, especially people who are trying to save Congress, so that Congress remains in power by any means and their businesses keep running..! Such protectors of Congress ask me a question that Modi Ji, tell us what will you do..? Congress did ruin the nation, it destroyed the nation, but what are you going to do..?we don’t just speak,we believe in delivering..! Those who have this question in their minds and those who ask us that what can we do, I request them all to spare just one day and come to Gujarat, to Ahmadabad, and stand on the banks of Sabarmati. Ten years back, Sabarmati had turned into a dirty drain. The river Sabarmati whose name was associated with Mahatma Gandhi in the song, “Sabarmati ke sant tune kar diya kamaal…”, everywhere Sabarmati was talked, it was associated with the freedom struggle, that river had turned into just a dirty drain..! Go there today and see, that Sabarmati with the waters of Narmada is flowing abundantly right in the center of city. Friends, do you believe that if Sabarmati can be purified, Ganga can also be..? If Sabarmati can change the life of Gujarat, can’t Ganga change the life of India..?

Friends, we do not engage in hollow promises. Friends, I have come here to make you believe that we are not here with promises but with intentions..! The country is fed up of promises, we have heard enough of lectures as well, now it is the time to bring reality to the lands of our nation, and that is why I am saying that we are not here with promises but with intentions, and we have the potential to realize our intentions..! Friends, a few people think that Uttar Pradesh is important in national politics because without Uttar Pradesh a government can’t be formed by any party. Friends, this type of thinking is an insult to UP..! Is Uttar Pradesh is meant to just increase the number of MPs..? Is Uttar Pradesh only important to form governments..? Friends, my thinking is not that shallow..! It is not a question of the government, if India wants stability, it can only be provided by Uttar Pradesh. If we need to develop India, then without developing UP, growth of India is not possible. If unemployment is to be eliminated from India then without eliminating it from UP, we can’t get rid of it. If India is starving then till the time people at the banks of Ganga and Yamuna feed, hunger of India can’t be quenched..! Uttar Pradesh should not just be associated with the number of MPs. Uttar Pradesh can be turned into the fortune maker of India, it can become a heritage of prosperous India, it can evolve as a powerful engine for taking the country to new heights..! Thus, for Bharatiya Janata Party, Uttar Pradesh is not just a political playing field, for us Uttar Pradesh is the most fertile land for the good of India..!

Friends, I have full faith in the power of the people of UP. People of this land only, your own ancestors realized the idea of Ram Rajya! If the people were not good, if the public was flawed, if they did not have potential then this land would never have had Ram Rajya. Friends, the kind of strength, traditions and culture that are needed for creation of Ram Rajya, it is all there in every citizen of Uttar Pradesh. When you have that rich heritage then why is this stage..? This problem is there because you did not choose the right party; you have not got the right leader. The day you will choose the right leader, you will vote for the right government to come, that day this power of people can play a vital role in taking the nation ahead, and I have full faith in that..!

Friends, Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji gave the slogan of - ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ during his reign, and the farmers of this country made the granaries of nation overflow with grains. The same land, same farmers, very same traditions, but on the call of right leadership, they overflowed the granaries of nation. Friends, Uttar Pradesh alone can feed the entire Europe, it has that strength..! But such governments have come in power, country is being operated in such manner that the state which has the potential to feed entire Europe, unfortunately is not able to feed itself, what can be a greater misfortune..! When a farmer grows paddy working day and night, he has in his mind that the grain grown by his effort will feed a hungry person, will change the lives of poor and he will get blessings. It is not only about money, but he has in his heart that not only humans but even any animals or birds should not starve and that is why he works so hard. But when the farmer who has worked so hard, listens on television or reads in the newspaper that the crop that he put in so much effort for, is getting spoiled on the railway platforms in the rains, then it is not only monetary loss but he also gets hurt. Friends, when farmer produces grains, he does not get satisfied just by money he gets, he gets satisfied when he gets to know that the grain that he produces with all his hard labour is being used to feed hungry men..! These sentiments of the farmers are not being understood by the Government of Delhi, people who calculate profit and losses on paper, are not being able to understand the feelings of the farmers and thus the crop is getting spoiled in the rains. The Supreme Court of India orders that these grains should be distributed amongst the poor..! The Delhi Government refuses to distribute it amongst poor, even after the orders of Supreme Court and sells the grains to the distilleries at the rate of 80 paisa..! Won’t the farmer of my country feel hurt by such actions..? I am amazed that there can be such rulers in a nation who can sell the labour of farmers for manufacturing liquor..! This is an insult of the farmers, of the sons of soil, and it is also an insult of all the underprivileged people of our country..!

Friends, as the election starts approaching, these people start chanting. There are some students who remember God many times when exams start, they worship the lord that I have an exam, may be God blesses me. When they sit in the examination hall, there also they first remember God at least ten times and then will see the paper. In the same way, the Congress party starts praying to the poor when elections approach, and think that this will take them across the tides of election..! Friends, if they had slightest of love or respect for the poor, if they had even a little understanding of their pain, then after so many years of independence and after 45 years of dynastic rule, the poor would not be suffering this much. If anyone is culprit for poverty, it is just this one family. One family has ruined the poor of this country and it is evident in their mentality..!

Friends, to understand what poverty is, we do not have to go somewhere and see, because we have spent our childhood in poverty. I am seriously shocked to see that how much hatred these people have for the poor people..! A leader of UPA says for me, that I am a tea vendor..! Now you people tell me, is it a crime to earn living by working hard and selling tea..? Is it a blot to stand by working hard honestly..? I am surprised that the people who talk of poor men, are saying publically that how can a tea vendor become Prime Minister..? If the people of the country bless, then an ordinary farm labour can also become Prime Minister, a person who polishes shoes on the footpath, can also become Prime Minister. But I can say this to you on our own values, that selling tea to me is acceptable but selling the nation, it is not..! They make fun of the poor in such manners, beside this, one of their leaders say that there exists nothing like poverty, poverty is just a state of mind..! When there is no food to eat for dinner and your children cry of hunger for whole nights, then one gets to know what poverty is..! What do they know what poverty is..? Small kids have to work to feed their parents, but these people are making fun of the poor..!

Friends, this is arrogance, and those people who think poor people to be in their pockets, they can’t do any good of the poor. So I want to say this to all the under privileged people today that the people who have exploited you till date, must be rooted out..! Just now Rajnath Ji was sharing his anguish that Congress said that the BJP people are burglars..! These people say what not and if all their words are collected at a place and published, then we all will be shocked that is this their culture, such is their language..? I want to say to the leaders of Congress, that you say we are burglars, we accept your charge. Yes we are thieves, we have stolen; we have stolen Congress’s peaceful sleep, their bliss …! We have picked up the gauntlet with the resolution that now we will not let Congress, the looters of the nation since independence, to be at peace..!

Friends, I want to ask every elderly person present here, that do you want to pass on to your children the India where you have lived in so much of hardships..? Do you want to force your children to live in dearth..? Do you want to force them to remain unemployed..? Do you want to see your children living in the slums of the urban areas, away from home..? No..!

Friends, two days ago, I received a letter from a Muslim gentleman, in it he has written that Modi Ji, you are coming to Banaras, please mention our problem there that we live in a small Muslim dwelling, where there are small power loom factories making sarees and they operate all night long, because of its noise we are not able to sleep and face many problems because of it. Please find a solution for it. That person expressed his anguish..! Friends, the sarees of Banaras not only protect the dignity of women, but they have the potential to save the economic dignity of this nation..! Such a huge industry, the industry that had the potential to employ lakhs of people, has been ruined. I would like to inform the friend who has expressed his anguish through that letter to me, that there is a way out. Well, our Surat has a very old connection with Kashi. There is a proverb that says ‘Kashi ka Maran aur Surat ka Jaman’, which means that dying in Kashi and eating in Surat, they have a different importance altogether. At both Surat and Kashi, there is a huge power loom industry. There was a time when, in the early morning or in the evening if you move out then there was very loud noise of power looms, the sound of power loom used to be louder than sound of your scooter. But Friends, in last ten years, we worked on a drive and with the help of the government and banks we arranged financial aid and upgraded the entire power loom sector technologically, built huge industrial complexes outside the city. Friends, there are now machines available in the market which make practically no noise, and government provided financial aid through banks for them, and today because of technical upgradation, we have been able to make better quality and quantity of cloth and provide a peaceful life to the people of Surat and this can be done in Varanasi as well. Those people who keep on asking me about my vision, this is a reality, go and check it..!

Friends, if there would have been good intentions, and Banarasi saree industry would have been upgraded, its importance would have been raised through modern technology, then today in India, just in Banarasi saree industry lakhs of youngsters would have got employment, there would not have been any need for them to move anywhere out..! But the policies of Indian Government are such that they import yarn from China, but they are not bothered about the livelihood of saree makers of Banaras and because of that such crises emerge..!

Friends, there will not be a single village in this Purvanchal, from where there is not a person who is working in my Gujarat. You only tell me, why was there a need that they had to leave their hometowns, their parents and go to Gujarat..? If UP was developed, then he would not have had to leave his village, his farms, his friends and family..! Friends, today because of unemployment, the youth of country feels darkness in his life. He is worried that where should he go, who will hold his hands, who will save him..! Friends, you tell me, whenever there is an advertisement for a government job, the first thing that crosses our mind is that somebody’s recommendation would be needed, do you feel so or not..? Do you search for a recommendation first of all or not..? Do you think that there is any guarantee of getting a job without any recommendation or without spending money..? This foul practice is prevailing or not..? Can there be any solution to this or not..? I have the solution. The protectors of Congress who ask me for my vision, I will tell them what my vision is..!

Friends, once in Gujarat, we had to recruit 13,000 teachers. Now for recruitment of teachers, getting 1-2 lakh applications is very common, so we gave advertisement and asked them all to register online. After that we selected the top 13,000 applicants who had highest marks. We neither took any interview from them, nor did we call them, just passed the order and recruited them directly..! The poor widow mother got the letter of her son’s appointment..! References work in interviews, if people are selected directly based on the merit, then this corruption and this entire game of recommendations will end and actually deserving candidates will get the jobs..! I have conducted a pilot project in Gujarat and have been successful, no one has raised any question on it, and everyone says that it is the right way. I believe that no matter how educated a person is, he can’t just succeed based on certificates, so he starts looking for references..!

Friends, our youngsters want dignity, they want to get rid of living like beggars. The youth of my nation can change the fate of India, the government of our country needs to have confidence in the youth and we have come with that faith. I want to say to the youth of nation that there are still lot many opportunities in this country, the country even today is in need of manpower. Whether it is agriculture, service, manufacturing, or any other sector, this country has the potential to make nation an economic superpower with the power of youth. My young friends, this is why I have come with a guarantee of your future..! If there is no guarantee of the future of the youth of the nation, then there is no guarantee of the future of the nation itself. The future of India lies in the hands of the youth. Today the youth needs opportunity, and BJP has come with a resolution of giving them opportunities..!

Friends, people are working to take Congress out of power and bring BJP to power again; this is a proof that we have stood the test of people. Friends, I am going to various parts of UP, and seeing the huge masses everywhere I can say confidently that the people of country are desperate to overthrow the Delhi Government. The people of nation are not ready to bear the Delhi Government even for a moment now. Friends, to change the destiny of India, it is essential to build a congress free India..! Only Congress free India is the guarantee of poverty free India, of unemployment free India. So for freedom from poverty, from unemployment, from starvation, from corruption, we will have to free India from the hands of Congress and we have to move ahead with this dream. With all these good wishes, I am highly thankful to you all..!

Raise your hands, and say along me, with all your strength so that the voice echoes in Delhi…

Bharat Mata Ki Jai..!  Bharat Mata Ki Jai..!

Vande Mataram..!  Vande Mataram..!  Vande Mataram..!

 

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Our government is making the vision of women-led development the axis of development: PM Modi in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
May 31, 2025
QuotePM inaugurates, lays foundation stone of multiple development projects in Bhopal
QuoteThe name of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar fills us with reverence, Words fall short to speak about her great personality: PM
QuoteDevi Ahilyabai was a great guardian of India's heritage: PM
QuoteMata Ahilyabai is a symbol of invaluable contribution of our women power in nation building: PM
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Honourable Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mangubhai Patel; our esteemed Chief Minister, Shri Mohan Yadav Ji; Union Ministers joining us via technology; Tokhan Sahu Ji from Indore; Ram Mohan Naidu Ji from Datia; Muralidhar Mohol Ji from Satna; the Deputy Chief Ministers of the state, Shri Jagdish Devda Ji & Shri Rajendra Shukla Ji, present here on the dais; my colleague in the Lok Sabha, Shri V. D. Sharma Ji; other Ministers, public representatives, and my dear brothers and sisters gathered here in large numbers!

First and foremost, I bow to Maa Bharti, and Bharat's women. Today, such a large gathering of mothers, sisters, and daughters has come here to bestow their blessings upon us. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to meet all of you.

Brothers and sisters,

Today marks the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. It is a momentous occasion for 140 crore Indians to draw inspiration and contribute towards the monumental task of nation-building. Devi Ahilyabai used to say that true governance lies in serving the people and improving their lives. Today’s programme carries forward her profound vision. The Indore Metro has been inaugurated today, and air services have now commenced from Datia and Satna as well. These projects will enhance public facilities in Madhya Pradesh, accelerate development, and generate numerous new employment opportunities. On this auspicious day, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you and to the entire state of Madhya Pradesh for these significant developmental strides.

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Friends,

The very name of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar evokes a deep sense of reverence. Words seem insufficient to describe the greatness of her personality. Devi Ahilyabai is a symbol of the idea that with willpower and firm resolve, no matter how adverse the circumstances, one can achieve remarkable outcomes. 2.5 - 3 centuries ago, when our nation was under the colonial rule, she accomplished such extraordinary feats that even generations later continue to speak of them. While it is easy to speak of such achievements today, it was not easy to accomplish them in those challenging times.

Friends,

Lokmata Ahilyabai never viewed service to God and service to the people as separate duties. It is said that she always carried a Shivling with her. Leading a state during such a turbulent period was akin to wearing a crown of thorns—one can only imagine the burden of that responsibility. Yet, Lokmata Ahilyabai gave a new direction to her state's development. She dedicated herself to empowering even the poorest of the poor. Devi Ahilyabai was a staunch protector of Bharat's heritage. At a time when our temples, pilgrimage sites, and cultural landmarks were under threat, Lokmata took the initiative to safeguard them. She restored and rebuilt numerous temples and sacred sites across India, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. I am fortunate to get the opportunity to serve Kashi now, the city where Lokmata Ahilyabai carried out various developmental work extensively. Today, if you visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, you will also find a statue of Devi Ahilyabai there.

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Friends,

Mata Ahilyabai adopted an exemplary model of governance in which the poor and the marginalised were given utmost priority. She initiated various schemes to promote employment and entrepreneurship. She encouraged agriculture, as well as forest-based cottage industries and handicrafts. To support farming, she constructed an intricate network of small canals—just imagine the foresight she had, three centuries ago. She also built numerous ponds to promote water conservation. Today, we continue to emphasize the message: “Catch the rain, save every drop.” Yet, Devi Ahilyabai had already given us this message 250 to 300 years ago. She promoted the cultivation of cotton and spices to boost farmers’ incomes. Even today, we repeatedly urge farmers to diversify their crops and not restrict themselves to paddy or sugarcane alone. We must grow everything that the country needs. For the tribal and nomadic communities, she formulated plans to utilise vacant lands for agriculture. I consider myself fortunate that I now serve my tribal brothers and sisters under the leadership of a tribal daughter who is today the President of India. Devi Ahilyabai also established new industries to promote the now world-renowned Maheshwari sarees. Few people may know that she had an exquisite appreciation for skill and craftsmanship. She brought a few families from Junagadh in Gujarat to Maheshwar, united them, and developed the craft of Maheshwari sarees. The legacy she established 250 to 300 years ago continues to enrich the lives of many families and has immensely benefited our weavers.

Friends,

Devi Ahilyabai will forever be remembered for her many far-reaching social reforms. Today, when we speak about raising the legal age of marriage for daughters, some individuals in our country view it as a threat to secularism, or consider it contrary to religious beliefs. But let us look at Devi Ahilyabai ji—centuries ago, she was already contemplating the appropriate age for a girl's marriage, out of respect for the dignity and potential of women. Though she herself was married at a young age, she had a clear understanding of what path would ensure the development and empowerment of daughters. Such was the vision of Devi Ahilyabai ji. She also asserted that women should have rights to property, and that widows—those who had lost their husbands prematurely—should be allowed to remarry. During her time, even discussing such matters was exceedingly difficult, yet Devi Ahilyabai stood firmly in support of these progressive reforms. She also organised a special women's contingent within the Malwa army. People in the Western world remain unaware of this. They often criticise and attempt to disparage us over women’s rights, unaware that, 2.5 - 3 centuries ago, Bharat had women serving in its armies.

Friends,

For the protection of women, she also established 'Nari Suraksha Tolis'—women’s safety groups—in villages. In essence, Mata Ahilyabai symbolises the invaluable role of women in the task of nation-building. Today, I bow with deep reverence to Devi Ahilyabai ji, who brought about such profound change in society. I bow at her feet and pray that wherever she is, she may continue to shower her blessings upon us all.

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Friends,

There is one powerful statement made by Devi Ahilyabai that will always inspire us, one that we must never forget. The essence of her words was: 'Whatever we receive is a debt given by the public, and it is our duty to repay it.' Today, our government is guided by these very values espoused by Lokmata Ahilyabai. “Nagrik Devo Bhava”—the citizen is god—has become the mantra of our governance. Our government is placing women-led development at the very heart of its development strategy. Mothers, sisters, and daughters are central to every major scheme of the government. You are aware that 4 crore homes have been built for the poor, and most of these are registered in the names of women—our mothers and sisters—giving them legal ownership. For many of these women, it is the first time in their lives that a property has been registered in their name. This means that crores of women in our country have become homeowners for the very first time.

Friends,

Today, the government is working to ensure that every household receives tap water, so that our mothers and sisters are spared the hardship of fetching water, and our daughters can focus on their studies. In the past, crores of women lacked access to basic amenities such as electricity, LPG gas, and toilets. Our government has ensured the provision of these facilities. And these are not merely conveniences; they are a sincere gesture of respect for our mothers and sisters. These measures have eased many of the daily struggles faced by women from poor families and rural areas.

Friends,

In earlier times, many women were forced to conceal their illnesses. Even during pregnancy, they avoided going to the hospital, fearing that medical expenses would place a burden on the family. As a result, they endured pain in silence. The Ayushman Bharat Yojana has relieved them of this concern. Now, they too can access free hospital treatment worth up to Rs 5 lakh.

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Friends,

Along with education and healthcare, one of the most crucial aspects for women's empowerment is income generation. When a woman earns her own money, her self-respect within the household increases, and her participation in family decisions becomes more significant. Over the past eleven years, our government has consistently worked to economically empower the women of Bharat. Just imagine—before 2014, before you entrusted me with the responsibility of service, more than 30 crore women in the country did not even have a bank account. Our government launched the Jan Dhan Yojana and opened bank accounts for all of them. Through these accounts, the government now transfers funds from various schemes directly into their hands. Today, whether they live in villages or cities, women are taking up self-employment, earning a livelihood, and becoming financially independent. Through the 'Mudra Yojana', they are receiving collateral-free loans. And over 75% of the beneficiaries of the Mudra scheme are our women.

Friends,

Today, 10 crore women across the country are associated with self-help groups and engaged in various economic activities. The government is assisting these women in creating new sources of income, offering support amounting to several lakhs of rupees. We have resolved to make three crore such women Lakhpati Didis. I am pleased to share that more than 1.5 crore sisters have already achieved this milestone. In every village, Bank Sakhis are now connecting people to banking services. The government has also launched a campaign to train 'Bima Sakhis'. Our sisters and daughters are playing a significant role in providing insurance coverage across the country.

Friends,

There was a time when women were excluded from access to new technology. Today, our nation is leaving that era far behind. The government is working to ensure that our sisters and daughters take the lead in modern technology. For instance, in agriculture, we are witnessing a drone revolution, and our rural women are at the forefront. The 'NaMo Drone Didi' initiative is empowering village women, increasing their income, and earning them recognition in their communities.

Friends,

A growing number of our daughters are becoming scientists, doctors, engineers, and pilots. The number of young women pursuing studies in science and mathematics is consistently rising. In all of our major space missions, many mothers, sisters, and daughters are contributing as scientists. The entire nation takes pride in the Chandrayaan-3 mission, in which more than 100 women scientists and engineers played a role. Likewise, in the age of start-ups, our daughters are demonstrating extraordinary talent. In approximately 45% of start-ups in the country, at least one director is a woman—one of our sisters or daughters. This number continues to rise steadily.

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Friends,

We are committed to increasing the participation of girls and women in policymaking. Over the past decade, many significant steps have been taken in this direction. For the first time under our government, a full-time woman Defence Minister was appointed. For the first time, the country has a woman Finance Minister. From Panchayats to Parliament, the number of women representatives is steadily increasing. In the current Parliament, there are 75 women Members of Parliament. However, we aim to take this participation even further. It is with this very vision that the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' was enacted. This legislation, which had been pending for years, has now been passed by our government. As a result, women's reservation in Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies has become a reality. In essence, the BJP government is working to empower our sisters and daughters at every level, in every domain.

Friends,

Bharat is a land of culture and tradition. In our traditions, sindoor (vermilion) is a revered symbol of womanhood and feminine power. Lord Hanuman, deeply devoted to Lord Ram, is also depicted wearing sindoor. We offer sindoor during the worship of the Goddess. Today, this same sindoor has become a symbol of Bharat's valour and courage.

Friends,

In Pahalgam, terrorists have not only spilled the blood of Indians, but they have also launched an attack on our culture. They have attempted to sow division within our society. Most significantly, these terrorists have directly challenged the women of Bharat. That very challenge has sounded the death knell for the terrorists and their backers. 'Operation Sindoor' stands as the largest and most successful counter-terrorism operation in Bharat's history. Our armed forces struck deep—penetrating hundreds of kilometres into enemy territory and obliterating terrorist hideouts in areas even the Pakistani army had never anticipated. This operation has sent an unambiguous message: the era of proxy wars through terrorism is over. From now on, we shall not merely defend—we shall retaliate. We will strike at the heart of those who shelter and support terrorism, and they will be made to pay dearly. Today, every Indian citizen, the unified voice of 140 crore Indians, is declaring: “If you fire a bullet, be prepared for a barrage in response.”

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Friends,

*Operation Sindoor* has become a powerful symbol of the strength of our women. We are all aware of the significant role played by the Border Security Force (BSF) in this operation. From Jammu to the borders of Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, a large number of our BSF daughters stood on the frontlines, courageously defending our nation. They responded decisively to cross-border firing. From command and control centres to the destruction of enemy posts, the brave daughters of the BSF displayed remarkable valour.

Friends,

Today, the world is witnessing the extraordinary capabilities of Bharat's daughters in the realm of national defence. The government has taken numerous steps over the past decade to empower them in this domain. From schools to the battlefield, the country now places unprecedented faith in the courage and strength of its daughters. For the first time, our armed forces have opened the doors of Sainik Schools to girls. Before 2014, only 25% of cadets in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) were girls. Today, that figure is approaching 50%. Yesterday, another historic milestone was achieved. You must have seen in the newspapers that the first batch of women cadets has graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA). Today, women are being deployed on the frontlines in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. From fighter jets to the warship 'INS Vikrant', women officers are fearlessly demonstrating their courage and competence.

Friends,

We have a recent and inspiring example of the valour of our Navy’s brave daughters. I wish to highlight the 'Navika Sagar Parikrama'. Two courageous women officers of the Indian Navy undertook a sea voyage lasting approximately 250 days, circumnavigating the globe. This remarkable journey was completed in a boat powered not by an engine, but by the wind. Just imagine—250 days at sea, weeks on end without sight of land, and all while facing fierce storms and turbulent weather. Yet, they overcame every challenge. This stands as proof that no matter how formidable the obstacle, the daughters of Bharat have the strength to conquer it.

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Friends,

Whether it is combating Naxalite insurgency or confronting cross-border terrorism, today, our daughters are becoming a formidable shield in safeguarding the nation. From this sacred land of Devi Ahilya, I once again offer my respectful salutations to the women of Bharat.

Friends,

Devi Ahilya not only undertook developmental work, but also preserved our rich cultural heritage. Today’s Bharat, too, is advancing on the twin paths of development and heritage. Today’s programme is a testament to the pace at which modern infrastructure is being constructed across the country. Today, Madhya Pradesh has received its first metro service. Indore, already acclaimed globally for its cleanliness, will now also be known for its metro connectivity. In Bhopal too, metro work is progressing rapidly. Across Madhya Pradesh, extensive work is being undertaken in the railway sector. Just a few days ago, the Central Government approved the conversion of the Ratlam-Nagda route into four lines. This will allow more trains to operate and ease congestion in the region. The Central Government has also approved the Indore–Manmad railway project.

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Friends,

Datia and Satna in Madhya Pradesh have now been integrated into the air travel network. These two airports will significantly enhance air connectivity across the Bundelkhand and Vindhya regions. This will make it more convenient to visit the sacred sites of Maa Pitambara, Maa Sharda Devi, and the revered Chitrakoot Dham.

Friends,

Bharat stands at a pivotal juncture in its history—a time when we must strengthen our security, amplify our capabilities, and safeguard our cultural identity at every level. To achieve this, the contribution of our women—our mothers, sisters, and daughters—is of paramount importance. We draw inspiration from Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai. The names of Rani Lakshmibai, Rani Durgavati, Rani Kamalapati, Avantibai Lodhi, Rani Chennamma of Kittur, Rani Gaidinliu, Velu Nachiyar, and Savitribai Phule—all fill our hearts with immense pride. May the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai continue to inspire us to build a stronger and more resilient Bharat for generations to come. With this resolve, I once again convey my heartfelt good wishes to you all.

Now, raise your tricolour and join me in saying:

Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

Vande Mataram!
Vande Mataram!
Vande Mataram!
Vande Mataram!
Vande Mataram!
Vande Mataram!
Vande Mataram!
Vande Mataram!
Vande Mataram!