Lok Sabha election 2024: Indian PM Modi launches poll campaign with rally in UP's Bulandshahr

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Jan 25) kicked off his Lok Sabha election campaign in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr. In Bulandshahar, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated multiple development projects worth over $2.29 billion (around Rs 19,100 crore). Earlier, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that these projects are related to several important sectors like rail, road, oil and gas and urban development and housing," the statement said.

Modi dedicated to the nation the 173 Km-long double-electrified section between New Khurja - and New Rewari on the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) by flagging off goods trains from the two stations through video conferencing. The PMO said that the new DFC section is important as it establishes crucial connectivity between Western and Eastern DFCs.

"...No government has done as much work for the farmers as our government. In the last 10 years, our small farmers have got the direct benefit of every public welfare scheme," Modi said during the rally.

"I saw that some media channels were saying that Modi is set to sound the poll bugle (for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections) today. Modi sounds bugle of development...Modi doesn't need to sound the poll bugle, the public does this for Modi," he added.

Modi also dedicated multiple road development projects to the nation and will inaugurate Indian Oil's Tundla-Gawaria Pipeline. The pipeline has been built for $84.18 million, and this 255-kilometre pipeline project has been completed well ahead of the scheduled time.

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Further, Modi inaugurated the Integrated Industrial Township at Greater Noida(IITGN), and the renovated Mathura sewerage scheme, including the construction of the sewage treatment plant (STP).

Leaders and workers of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been actively involved in preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha election, anticipating a significant turnout in Bulandshahr, a report by the news agency IANS said. The BJP holds eight out of 14 seats in western Uttar Pradesh, with defeats in six constituencies in 2019.

The report added that PM Modi is set to connect with voters and supporters in previously contested areas, sharing the secret for victory.

(With inputs from agencies)