Jaipur, Sept 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a massive rally in Napla village of Rajasthan’s Banswara district on Thursday, made a strong appeal to citizens and shopkeepers to embrace swadeshi (indigenous) products as a step towards building an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
The Prime Minister urged shopkeepers to display boards saying “This is Swadeshi” and called upon people to ensure every purchase supports Indian-made goods. “Every rupee spent on swadeshi empowers our artisans, farmers, and workers, and strengthens India’s economy instead of foreign ones,” he said.
Launching development projects worth ₹1,22,670 crore, PM Modi highlighted reforms under his government, contrasting BJP’s focus on “savings” with Congress’ “loot.” Citing examples, he said under Congress, a ₹500 shoe cost ₹575 due to high taxes, while under GST reforms, shoes under ₹500 are tax-free and taxes on those up to ₹2,500 have been cut. Similarly, a bike once taxed ₹19,000 under Congress now attracts just around ₹10,000. “This is the GST savings festival,” he declared, adding that household expenses for mothers and sisters have also reduced.
PM Modi also stressed electricity as a driver of modern progress. Criticising Congress for decades of neglect, he said 25 million households lacked electricity before 2014. “Today, we are executing power projects worth ₹90,000 crore across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra,” he added.
Paying tribute to Rajasthan’s tribal legacy, Modi said BJP prioritised tribal empowerment by creating a dedicated ministry and elevating Droupadi Murmu as India’s first tribal woman President.
At the rally, he laid the foundation of the ₹42,000 crore Mahi Banswara Nuclear Power Project, flagged off two Vande Bharat trains, and distributed appointment letters to 15,000 youth.
