E-Paper
Central government reaches out to masses on WhatsApp, seeks feedback
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking suggestions for shaping the Union government’s “Viksit Bharat” (developed India) agenda.
The BJP-led central government has sought feedback and suggestions from the citizens of India on its schemes and governance initiatives. A WhatsApp message from ‘Viksit Bharat Sampark’ seeking feedback and suggestions from the citizens, along with a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arrived on the smartphones.
In the letter, issued on the eve of the announcement of the general elections, the PM said: “I need and indeed, look forward to your ideas, suggestions and support as we work to fulfil the resolve of building a Viksit Bharat.”
The PM is seeking a third term in office and has set a target of winning over 400 seats for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies. The government’s development agenda and the promise of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 is a key poll plank of the BJP.
The Viksit Bharat agenda is a vision that the PM has drafted for ensuring “social changes, technical innovations, and economic reforms, to raise India’s position at the global level”.
In his letter, which has been addressed to “my dear family members”, in line with the BJP’s “Modi Ka Parivaar” (Modi’s family) narrative, the PM said: “Our partnership is at the threshold of completing a decade. The trust and support of 140 crore Indians inspires and motivates me.”
He has credited the government schemes and programmes for “transformation that has taken place in the lives of the people” and called it “the biggest achievement of our government over the last 10 years.”
Meanwhile, Kerala Congress attacked the BJP over the drive.
"The message talks about taking feedback from Citizens, but the attached PDF is nothing but political propaganda,” Kerala Congress posted.
“In the guise of feedback, the letter is nothing but claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making about his Govt as part of his campaign for the upcoming General Elections, misusing govt database,” it alleged, calling it “blatant misuse of WhatsApp for political propaganda.”
The government’s development agenda and the promise of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 is a key poll plank of the BJP.
In February, BJP president J P Nadda flagged off ‘Viksit Bharat Modi ki guarantee’ video vans, seeking people’s suggestions from across the country for preparing the manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
