Noida, March 28 (NationPress) On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress, claiming that these parties have been responsible for 'stalling' the progress of the Noida International Airport. He praised the 'double-engine BJP government' for transforming the city into a 'key driver' of development in Uttar Pradesh.

These comments came during the inauguration of Phase 1 of the Noida International Airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh.

"In the past, the Samajwadi Party turned Noida into a source of corruption. However, today, under the BJP government's leadership, Noida is evolving into a robust tool for Uttar Pradesh’s growth," the Prime Minister stated while addressing a significant public gathering.

He highlighted the airport as an exemplary manifestation of the operational efficacy of a double-engine government.

"This airport was initially sanctioned during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's administration in 2003. Many infants born post-approval are now adults, and several individuals who were in their 20s or 30s back then are now retired—yet the airport remained unconstructed," he remarked.

"For years, while the Congress held power at the national level and previous administrations governed here, the groundwork for this airport could not even be laid. Between 2004 and 2014, this project was stifled in bureaucratic red tape. When our government assumed power at the national level, Uttar Pradesh still had a Samajwadi Party administration that obstructed the project during the initial years of our governance," he added.

Nevertheless, the Prime Minister asserted, "Once the BJP-led governments were established in both Uttar Pradesh and at the national level, we laid the groundwork for the Jewar Airport, initiated construction, and today, it stands completed and inaugurated."

He also referenced the 'Noida Jinx', a political superstition suggesting that any Chief Minister visiting the city would lose their position and not return for a subsequent term.

"Previously, due to this superstition, Noida was overlooked by former governments. When I intended to visit Noida during the SP government, the Chief Minister was so apprehensive that he skipped the event. Some advised against my visit, but I maintained that I was going to seek the blessings of this land, which would allow me to serve extensively. Now, this very location is ready to greet the entire world. This strengthens the vision of an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'," he concluded.