Earlier governments had hindered development of Uttarakhand, looted state: PM Narendra Modi

Addressing a public rally after the inauguration of various projects, the PM said in Haldwani, that in 20 years of Uttarakhand`s formation, there have been leaders in governments who had `looted Uttarakhand with both hands.`

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation of 23 development projects in poll-bound Uttarakhand's Haldwani on Thursday (December 30). The projects will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 17,500 crore.

Saying that no previous government has spent as much money on Uttarakhand projects as this "double-engine government", PM Modi said that the government is focused on making this decade belong to Uttarakhand. He added that the people of the state have the capability to make this happen.

Taking a dig at former governments of Uttarakhand, the PM said, "Uttarakhand has completed 20 years of its formation. In these years, you have seen such people running the government who used to say 'you may loot Uttarakhand, but save my government'. These people looted Uttarakhand with both hands."

He accused the previous governments of obstructing development in the state. "It has been a permanent trademark of those who were in the government before to hinder developmental projects. Lakhwar Project, which started today, has the same history - it was first thought of in 1976. Today after 46 years, our govt has laid the foundation stone for its work," Modi said.

Addressing a public rally after the inauguration of various projects, the Prime Minister said in Haldwani, "All the projects will provide better connectivity and health facilities to the people of Kumaon. I have brought one more gift for the people of Haldwani. We're also bringing a Rs 2,000 crore scheme for the development of the overall infrastructure of Haldwani, for water, sewage, road, parking, street lights."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 23 projects worth over Rs 17,500 crore in Uttarakhand. Among the 23 projects, the foundation stone is being laid for 17 projects worth over Rs 14,100 crore. According to Prime Minister`s Office (PMO), these projects cover a wide array of sectors/areas across the state including irrigation, road, housing, health infrastructure, industry, sanitation, drinking water supply.