PM Modi lambastes opposition for its narrow vision over GST

Dwaraka (Gujarat): Panning the opposition for its 'narrow' vision over Goods and Services Tax (GST), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the BJP government stood for all-round development.

PM Modi, who was in Gujarat to lay foundation stone for a bridge between Okha and Bet Dwarka, said, Diwali had arrived early for the people of the country.

He praised the GST Council for its sweeping changes to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) by slashing tax rates on 27 products and providing relief to small and medium businesses.

Here is what else he said:

Today I am seeing a very different mood here in Dwarka. There is tremendous enthusiasm here. What we are working towards is not merely a bridge to reach Bet Dwarka, it connects us to our history and culture

I still recall how tough it was for people of Bet Dwarka. Lack of infrastructure meant transportation was tough, people faced difficulties if an emergency came up. We wanted to change this with a push on infrastructure.

Development of the tourism sector cannot be in isolation. If we want to draw more tourists to Gir, we should also inspire the tourist to visit other parts like Dwarka.

Building of infrastructure should enhance economic activities and add to the atmosphere of development.

When Madhavsinh Solanki ji was CM, I recall front page advertisements for the CM coming to Jamnagar to inaugurate a water tank. This is how narrow their conception of development was. We have come a long way since then & are looking at more all round & extensive progress.

We want development of ports and port-led development. The blue economy should help further the progress of India.

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Government of India is taking steps towards the empowerment of fishermen. We do not want our fishermen to live in poverty, we want to create more opportunities for them.

Kandla Port is seeing unprecedented growth. This is because we devoted resources to improve the port. New lease of life was added to Alang, steps were taken for the welfare of the labourers working there. These are steps we are taking towards development.

Marine policing is a sector we are looking at very closely. We are modernising marine security apparatus. An institute for this will be set up in this Devbhoomi of Dwarka. It will draw people and experts from all over India.

Diwali has come early for our citizens due to the decisions taken in the GST Council. We had said we will study all aspects relating to GST for 3 months, including the shortcomings. And thus, the decisions were taken with consensus at the GST council.

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When there is trust in a government and when policies are made with best intentions, it is natural for people to support us for the best interests of the nation.

The common citizen of India wants the fruits of development to reach him or her. Nobody wants their children to live in poverty. We want to help our people fulfil that dream and want to fight poverty.

The world's attention is being drawn to India. People are coming to invest here. All this will bring opportunities for the people of India. I see Gujarat contributing actively to the development of India & congratulate the Gujarat Government.