Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed a large gathering in Bikaner, hailing the bravery of the Indian Armed Forces and launching a sharp attack on Pakistan.
Recalling his 2019 statement after the Balakot airstrikes, the Prime Minister said, “Saugandh mujhe iss desh ki mitti ki, main desh nahi mitne dunga, main desh nahi jhukne dunga.” Referring to the recent military action, he added, “Those who came to erase sindoor, we have demolished them.”
The Prime Minister invoked the spirit of Rajasthan, calling it “Veerbhoomi”, and said, “This brave land teaches us that nothing is greater than the nation and its citizens. On April 22, terrorists destroyed the vermilion from the foreheads of our sisters by questioning their religion. The bullets were fired in Pahalgam, but they pierced the hearts of 140 crore Indians. The nation resolved that the terrorists would face punishment beyond their imagination.”
Highlighting a symbolic coincidence, PM Modi noted that his first rally after the Balakot airstrikes in 2019 was also held in Rajasthan. “It is a coincidence that after the country conducted the Balakot airstrikes five years ago, my first public meeting was on this very borderland of Rajasthan. Now again, after Operation Sindoor, I am holding my first rally here among you in Bikaner,” he said.
Speaking about the military operation, PM Modi revealed that Indian forces destroyed nine major terrorist hideouts in just 22 minutes. “With your blessings and the valour of our armed forces, we have fulfilled our pledge. Our government gave full freedom to the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Together, they created such a ‘Chakravyuh’ that Pakistan was forced to kneel,” the Prime Minister said.
He continued, “The world and enemies of the country saw what happens when the sindoor of our sisters turns into gunpowder. In response to the April 22 attack, terrorist camps were destroyed within 22 minutes.”
Shifting focus to development, PM Modi spoke about the government’s efforts to modernize India’s infrastructure. “Today, I come to you after seeking blessings from Karni Mata. Her grace strengthens our resolve for a Viksit Bharat. A grand effort is underway to create world-class infrastructure across the country. In the last 11 years, there has been a sixfold increase in infrastructure spending. Roads, airports, and railway stations are being rapidly modernized,” he said.
(ANI)