People looting India are now afraid of chowkidar: PM Modi in Dharamshala

Dharamshala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, launched a scathing attack on Congress by saying that people, who want to loot the country, are now afraid of its 'chowkidar' and also are abusing him.

"Those who were in the habit of looting, they are now feeling afraid of the country's 'chowkidar' and are now abusing him," PM Modi said, without naming the Opposition Congress.

In his nearly one hour-long address at a public rally in Dharamshala, PM Modi said his government at the Centre has given Rs. 12,000 crore to soldiers in four installments under the One Rank, One Pension scheme. "For the last 40 years, this country's soldier was demanding the One Rank, One Pension scheme. The then government fooled our soldiers and kept only Rs. 500 crore for it. When we came to power, I called for the file and officers were left stunned."

"We realised there was Rs. 12,000 crore required for it. It's difficult for the government to take out Rs. 12,000 crore in one go so I called soldiers and asked them to give it in four-five installments and they agreed. Today I am happy, we gave it in four installments," he said.

Batting for the promotion of tourism and horticulture in the Himalayan state, the Prime Minister, donning a Himachali cap, said, "I called people from Pepsi, Cola, Fanta and other types of aerated drinks and asked them to include five per cent of natural fruit juice in these drinks."

"Many companies are coming forward to do so. It is going to generate a good market for our farmers in coming days."

Himachal Pradesh used to get Rs. 21,000 crore during the United Progressive Alliance-led Congress government, PM Modi said that the amount has been increased to Rs 71,000 crore. "It has only become possible because the government of India believes that each and every penny from this amount will be spent by the Himachal government judiciously for the state's development," said Modi.

Congratulating Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on completing one year in office, PM Modi said, "Himachal Pradesh is like my home. I worked here for several years for the party's organisational work."