"Today, when India is becoming major global trade centre, we're focusing on increasing our maritime strength": PM Modi

"The world is recognizing India's potential and position in global trade. The Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor will further strengthen the creation of Viksit Bharat by giving a boost to the coastal economy of India," the PM said. He reiterated the government's efforts to build mega ports, shipbuilding and ship-repairing infrastructure in the country.

The PM was speaking after inaugurating three major infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 4,000 crore in Kochi on Wednesday.

The projects inaugurated today include New Dry Dock (NDD) at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) of CSL, and LPG Import Terminal of Indian Oil Corporation Limited at Puthuvypeen, Kochi. These major infrastructure projects are in line with the Prime Minister's vision to transform India's ports, shipping, and waterways sector, and build capacity and self-sufficiency in it.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister talked about his Darshan of Bhagwan Guruvyurappan at the temple this morning.

He also recalled the mention of the holy temples of Kerala which are associated with Ramayan in his speech at the recent inauguration of Maharishi Valmiki International Airport at Ayodhya Dham. He expressed gratitude for being able to perform darshan at the Ramaswamy temple just a few days before the Pran Pratishtha at the Ayodhya Dham.

He said that the beautiful presentation by the Kerala artists this morning brought about the feel of Awadh Puri in Kerala.

He emphasised the role of every state in the journey of making India 'Viksit Bharat' during the Amrit Kaal.

PM Modi recalled the role of ports in India's erstwhile prosperity in earlier times and envisaged a similar role for ports now when India is taking new strides and becoming a major centre of global trade.

During the day, the Prime Minister also addressed a gathering of BJP booth-level in-charges in Kochi.

In his address, the Prime Minister attacked the Congress-led UDF and the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF in Kerala for "corruption and scams" and expressed confidence that the state will play a role in BJP's victory in the Lok Sabha polls.

Addressing 'Shaktikendra Incharges Sammelan' here, the Prime Minister said that positive outcomes of BJP's transparent policies are clearly visible and the party gives priority to the progress of the poor, women, youth and farmers.

"According to a recent report, around 25 crore people have come out of poverty in the last 9 years. Whereas, for five decades, Congress only gave the slogan of 'Garibi Hatao'. It shows that the path we have chosen for a Viksit Bharat is right...Lok Sabha elections are to elect the government of the country. We have to inform our voters that 10 years ago, there were terrorist attacks every other day which used to affect our investments and the people living in foreign nations. LDF (Left Democratic Front), UDF (United Democratic Front) has a history of corruption and scams," he said.

"The priority of BJP is to increase the income as well as savings of the people of the country. Under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, around Rs 1 lakh crore of the people of the country has been saved. Till now, people have saved more than Rs 25,000 crore because of the Jan Aushadhi Kendras," he added.

He lauded the efforts of BJP workers to make the party strong.

"We saw the potential of the Kerala BJP party workers during the Nari Shakti Sammelan in Thrissur. With my own experience, I can say that only a strong organisation can have such a huge conference. It shows that you are all putting in a lot of effort. BJP is the only political party that has a track record of fast paced development and vision for the future," he said.

"It is always a happy moment for me to join the supporters of BJP who work to strengthen BJP in the state. Besides adverse situations, our party workers have made sure that the BJP shines. I want to salute all those party workers who stood with their ideology and stayed committed to their patriotism," he added.

He urged party workers to focus on winning the booths, saying that it would pave for the party's victory in the state.

"As elections come close, I am certain that Kerala is going to play a role in BJP's win. Our first resolution should be 'We will win our booth'. If we can win a booth, we can win Kerala. You have to work harder and pay attention to every voter. Creating a bond with the people of Kerala should be your priority. You have to bring everyone to 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra' and help them join the drive of 'Modi ki Guarantee'."

The Prime Minister said that the confidence of Indians is soaring due to the policies of his government.

"The confidence of Indians is soaring as the world now talks of India as 'Vishwamitra'. Our relations with Gulf countries have never been better. For this reason, there are more opportunities and respect for Indians in the Gulf region," he said.

"We aspire to increase disposable income while helping reduce out-of-pocket expenditures for the people. Ayushman Bharat Yojana has helped people save Rs 1 lakh crore. The discount provided at Jan Aushadhi Kendras has helped people save over Rs 25,000 crore," he added.

The Prime Minister said that the positive outcomes of BJP's transparent policies are visible.

"Today, BJP has become a party of the people. It is the only party that has a track record of fast development and a clear vision for the future. The poor, women, youth and farmers are the four categories whose empowerment will lay the foundation for a Viksit Bharat. It is only the BJP which prioritizes the welfare of these people. (ANI)