Press Statement by PM during the State Visit of President of Palestine

Published By : Admin | May 16, 2017 | 14:50 IST
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Your Excellency, Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine,
Members of the Palestinian and Indian delegations,
Members of the media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to welcome back President Mahmoud Abbas, an old friend of India, on his State visit to India. The relationship between India and Palestine is built on the foundation of long-standing solidarity and friendship since the days of our own freedom struggle. India has been unwavering in its support of the Palestinian cause. And ,we hope to see the realization of a sovereign, independent, united and viable Palestine, co-existing peacefully with Israel. I have reaffirmed our position on this to President Abbas during our conversation today.

Friends,

President Abbas and I have just concluded useful and detailed discussions that will add further strength to our partnership. We had extensive exchange of views on the situation in West Asia and the Middle East Peace Process. We agreed that the challenges in West Asia must be addressed through sustained political dialogue and peaceful means. India hopes for early resumption of talks between Palestinian and Israeli sides to move towards finding a comprehensive resolution. At the bilateral level, India is committed to be a useful development partner of Palestine. President Abbas and I agreed that both sides, through practical cooperation, will work together to build Palestine’s economy and contribute to improving the lives of its people. We will continue to support the development and capacity-building efforts of Palestine. The agreements concluded today are reaffirmation of our intent to strengthen cooperation in this direction. We have also taken up for particular emphasis the areas of information technology, youth and skills development in the assistance provided by India. India is undertaking project assistance for a flagship Techno-park project in Ramallah. Once completed, it will serve as an IT hub in Palestine offering a one-stop solution for all IT-related training and services. We also look forward to enhancing our cultural exchanges by adding new elements including Yoga exchanges. We look forward to the Palestinian people participating in large numbers during the International Day of Yoga celebrations next month. In the end, I wish President Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation a pleasant and productive stay in India. I look forward to working together with President Abbas to further strengthen our bilateral relations.

Thank you.
Thank you very much.

 

 

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PM Modi addressed a massive public rally in Madurai, beginning his speech with deep reverence for Tamil Nadu’s spiritual heritage. He said he had just visited Tirupparankundram and received the darshan of Bhagwan Murugan, describing it as a truly divine experience. He said he prayed for the prosperity of Tamil Nadu and the entire nation.

The PM said his heart felt heavy as he remembered Thiru Poorna Chandran, the young devotee who sacrificed his life. He met Thirumathi Indumati Poorna Chandran and their two young children and conveyed his deepest condolences. He prayed that Thiru Poorna Chandran’s aatma finds peace at the feet of Bhagwan Murugan. He said it was painful that the insensitivity of the DMK government led to this tragedy, but added firmly that no matter what DMK does, the truth will win and devotees of Bhagwan Murugan will win.

Referring to the 2021 mandate given to DMK after 25 years, PM Modi said the party failed to provide good governance. Instead, it looted the state, promoted dynastic politics and ignored people’s aspirations. Speaking about Madurai, he recalled how the city stood firmly with MGR, who deeply loved it, and alleged that DMK has never liked Madurai for that reason. He said DMK brought mafia-style politics to the city, leaving behind bad roads, poor drainage and poor waste management.

Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s coastal strength, the PM said the state has immense potential that was ignored when Congress and DMK were together in power before 2014. He said projects like the Maduravoyal corridor were stalled and the Thoothukudi trans-shipment project remained only on paper. After 2014, the NDA government revived the Chennai Port-Maduravoyal Elevated Corridor and created India’s first Mega Port Cluster by integrating Kamarajar and Chennai ports. He also mentioned that the capacity at Kamarajar Port nearly tripled.

Speaking about women’s safety, PM Modi said women in Tamil Nadu are facing serious distress, with rising crime and families suffering due to the drug mafia and alcohol. He said many remember how much better life was during Amma Jayalalithaa’s rule. He assured every mother, sister and daughter that once the NDA government comes to power, law and order will be the top priority. Criminals and drug mafias will be behind bars and NDA will ensure safety, dignity and empowerment.

Recalling Tamil Nadu’s contribution to the freedom struggle, PM Modi said the Constitution drafted under the leadership of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar laid the foundation for a strong democracy. He said every moment of his life has been dedicated to upholding constitutional values and that he was part of the movement to protect democracy during the Emergency. Referring to a remark by a DMK leader claiming they do not fear him or his father, he said that in a democracy nobody needs to fear anyone, and such remarks only strengthen his commitment to democratic values.

PM Modi said that Tamil Nadu kept Congress out of power in the state for 60 years. “You were the first state to become Congress-Mukt. For this, Congress took revenge against Tamil Nadu. It was Congress that gave away Katchatheevu. Then, DMK did not do anything.”

He said Tamil Nadu has always been at the forefront of India’s civilisational pride. He recalled that when the Congress government was at the Centre and DMK was supporting them, a notification was issued banning Jallikattu. Through an ordinance, the NDA government ensured Jallikattu could continue.

On corruption, PM Modi said when it comes to honesty in politics, K Kamaraj Ji set an example for the entire country, while DMK represents the opposite. He listed major alleged scams. He said while ministers usually compete in good work, DMK ministers compete in scams, looting the poor, the youth and farmers. Such a corrupt government, he said, has no moral right to continue.

Concluding his address, PM Modi said the people of Tamil Nadu have decided to bring in an NDA government that will deliver clean and efficient governance, reaffirming ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’ for development, dignity and respect for Tamil culture.