Nagpur: Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, addressing a public meeting for Saoner Nagar Parishad poll candidates on Tuesday, said that unless processing units for agriculture products are set up in villages, no development could be achieved. “Agriculture product processing industries generate employment, fetch good prices for farmers’ products. All these factors lead to development of villages,” said Gadkari.
Other dignitaries seated on the dais include Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, MLA Ashish Deshmukh, Dr Rajiv Potdar, Ramesh Mankar, Sonba Musale, Arvind Lodhi, Ashok Dhote, Prakash Tekade, Prakash Varudkar, Vandana Dhote, Dadarao Mangle, Ramrao Movade, Rekha Movade and others.
“No development took place in villages during 70-rule of Congress. Population of Narkhed, Khapa and other villages decreased because of exodus of people to the cities. But now, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, picture in villages has to be changed with development works. The work of providing houses to the poor has started under Prime Minister Avas Yojana. All the needy would be provided with houses by 2022. Over 9000 youths have got employment in Mihan. 50000 youths would get jobs by the end of our 5-year rule,” Gadkari asserted.
The Union Minister praised the Energy Minister Bawankule for making the entire state load-shedding free. “Bawankule has provided electric connection to 2.50 lakh agriculture pumps. And now, power supply is available on demand. This scenario was not to be seen in the past two years. If the minister is efficient and hard-working then the situation changes for better. Bawankule is fine example of this change,” Gadkari quipped.
Bawankule, Dr Potdar and other dignitaries also addressed the meeting. NCP Vice President Babasaheb Ghorpade joined the BJP along with his supporters in Gadkari’s presence. A large number of people attended the meeting.
