Narendra Modi woos Seemandhra with Polavaram irrigation project promise

GUNTUR/BHIMAVARAM/NELLORE: In an attempt to woo Seemandhra farmers, BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on Thursday said he would complete the Polavaram irrigation project without delay if voted to power. He also promised to interlink Ganga-Cauvery to provide water to the parched Rayalaseema region.

Addressing large gatherings at Bhimavaram, Guntur, Nellore and Madanapalle, Modi tried to strike a chord with farmers by highlighting their sufferings in various districts.

While he stressed changing the fortunes of cotton, turmeric and chilli farmers in Guntur, Modi also promised to address the grievances of Kolleru farmers in Bhimavaram. "The nation has already decided two things. One, to unseat the government headed by 'mother and son', and two, to bring NDA to power," claimed Modi.

He said he would put the imprint of farmers on exports of all agriproducts. "I am one among you. You are not alone. Do not get depressed with the bifurcation of the state. Congress has orphaned the state," Modi told farmers. He said the UPA had ruined the country with "policy paralysis".

Guntur farmers produce world famous cotton, turmeric and chilli, he said, promising to set up processing plants in the region to help them. "We have hardworking people and talented youth in Seemandhra. The only thing we need is a government to take them forward," said Modi, adding that backing N Chandrababu Naidu will help people build a new state. Alleging that Congress had never respected Telugu people, he promised to restore the Telugu pride if people backed the TDPBJP combine. He said Congress had not only split the state but tried to divide people.