Flagging off the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram via videoconferencing on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the "development of smaller cities was at the centre of his resolve to make India a developed country" and "his guarantee begins where hope from everyone else ends". "With the resolve of a developed India, 'Modi's guarantee vehicle' is reaching every corner of the country," said PM Modi, while flagging off the Yatra in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram via video conferencing on Saturday. The Yatra has reached thousands of villages and cities — most of them being small towns — just within a month, said PM Modi, adding that his government has been trying to "ease everyone's troubles like a family member". "This is our government. that has helped the poor, farmers, small businessmen and various other sections of society. Modi's guarantee begins after hope from everyone else ends," he added. The PM also said after Independence, the benefits of development were limited only to a few big cities for a long time, but his "government has been focusing on the development of smaller cities, which would strengthen the foundation for a developed India". He also urged everyone to avail the benefits of various government schemes. "Even though Modi has flagged off the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra, the truth is that today, the countrymen have taken command of that yatra. At a place where the journey halts, people from other villages or cities start leading the journey," he said. The Yatra was launched in other states earlier, but got delayed in these five states — where the Assembly elections were held recently — due to the model code of conduct in place. Praises ‘atmanirbhar’ women of country While interacting with beneficiaries from different states, who have availed government schemes, Modi said "atmanirbhar women are not just sustaining themselves, but also becoming a boon for others". Modi, who has given a call to make India a developed country by 2047, said the BJP-led government at the Centre has been "working relentlessly for such committed and hard working people". Small cities to play key role in development The PM said hundreds of small cities have a key role in achieving the resolve of a developed India by 2047 and his government was upgrading basic facilities in such urban centres to improve ease of living. He said his government is committed to saving money for urban families, who have benefited from initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat health insurance and housing for all.
