Prime Minister Narendra Modi listed initiatives undertaken by his government at the Centre to help.
The people of Kerala as he announced the state’s first Vande Bharat train during his massive roadshow in Kochi today. PM Modi is in the state for a two-day visit.
The youth of the state know the importance of basic developments, PM Modi said, adding, “They know how the development of the Kannur and the Cochin airport was a part of this. Tomorrow, Kerala will get its first Vande Bharat Express.”
“It was this government that helped develop the fisheries sector, an important area for Kerala. The benefits of the kissan card were extended to the sector,” he said.
“The central government is promoting the requirements of the youth. A few days ago, the Centre made a crucial decision and now aspirants from Kerala will be able to write the CAPF exam in Malayalam,” he said. The CAPF exam is conducted to recruit candidates to the armed forces.
“Wherever there is a BJP government, efforts are on to give government jobs to the young. But the government in Kerala is not interested in this,” he alleged.
“To unlock the true potential of young men and women, there is a need for such efforts. God has blessed Kerala with astonishing beauty, culture and tourism opportunities. I hope this will attract people from across the world. Kerala’s Ayurvedic medicine is another unique factor. In Mann Ki Baat, I remember talking about the former Kenyan PM and how his daughter’s eyes were cured with the help of this ayurveda legacy,” the prime minister said.
The prime minister’s roadshow, attended by hundreds, is being seen as a show of strength by the BJP in a state it is yet to win. The BJP has been trying desperately to make inroads in the southern state and has amped its campaign here ahead of the Lok Sabha elections next year.
“It’s a happy thing that our country is celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. This college (the Sacred Heart College) is also celebrating its 75 years. I am happy I could be here. Today our country has started the journey of Amrit Kaal. At this juncture, it’s great that youngsters have come together,” he said.
“In our country, when there was a need to get over superstitions, Kerala gave us Sree Narayana Guru,” he said.
“Today everybody is saying that the 21st century is India’s century. India is a country which has a huge young population. There was a thought that nothing would change in India, but now our country can change the world. Today’s India has start-ups talked about by people across the world. India is considered as the fastest growing economy. This was possible because of youth. So my biggest hope is the youth of our country,” he said.
“The BJP and the youth are on the same page. We bring reforms and the youth yield results. This government works in union with the young. The previous governments did corruption in every sector. But the BJP government brought new opportunities for the youth. With the ‘vocal for local’ initiative, the BJP government promoted products here, made developments in the space sector by giving job opportunities, and brought development in the defence sectorâ€æ” he listed.
The prime minister is expected to meet eight bishops from the state’s various Christian sects this evening – his second interaction with the community in three weeks. The meeting comes amid the BJP’s “Sneha Yatra” outreach programme, as part of which party leaders visited Christian and Muslim homes during Easter and Eid.