PM Modi slams populist politics, warns short-cuts could destroy nation

A country whose politics is based on short-cut can have a short-circuit; it can destroy a country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said as he addressed a rally in Jharkhand's Deoghar. Cautioning people against politics based on populist measures, the Prime Minister said there is no alternative to hard work. 

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that only hard work would take the country to newer heights as it marches towards 100 years of Independence. 

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Taking on parties that offer populist measures to get votes, the Prime Minister said that adopting shortcuts without considering far-reaching consequences could destroy the country.

According to analysts, this was a reference to opposition-led state governments that have adopted costly populist measures. Some others believed it was a veiled reference to events in Sri Lanka where a popular upsurge overthrew the government over an economic crisis triggered by a borrowing-fueled spending splurge.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi took part in a 12-km roadshow in the district amid tight security after laying foundation stones and inaugurating projects totalling Rs 16,800 crore. One of the projects he inaugurated included the Deogarh airport.

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People waited on either side of the road and cheered as Prime Minister's carcade made its way through the meandering roads of the district. Crowds showered flower petals and chanted 'Modi-Modi' as security personnel struggled to clear the way for the prime minister.

Prime Minister Modi said the projects unveiled today would go a long way in boosting development in eastern India. He said that over the last eight years, his government had taken steps to strengthen the infrastructure of railways, roadways and airways in the region.

Highlighting that around 70 new locations had been connected through airports, heliports and water aerodromes in the last 5-6 years under the Centre's UDAN scheme, Prime Minister Modi said people now have access to affordable air travel, many for the first time.

Before flying out to Bihar, Prime Minister Modi offered prayers at the Baba Baidyanath Dham temple.