Jaipur, Sep 25 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a massive rally in Napla village, Banswara, Rajasthan, on Thursday, urging the public and shopkeepers nationwide to embrace 'swadeshi' (indigenous) products as a crucial step toward fortifying 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India).

He emphasized that every rupee spent on locally manufactured goods not only supports artisans, farmers, and laborers but also directly contributes to the nation’s progress.

PM Modi encouraged shopkeepers to flaunt signs that state, 'This is Swadeshi', and requested citizens to ensure that their purchases promote Indian-made items.

During this event, he sharply contrasted the Congress party’s record of 'loot' with the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) focus on 'savings', while unveiling development initiatives exceeding Rs 1,22,670 crore in Rajasthan.

In a passionate address, Modi highlighted the electricity reforms, celebrated tribal heritage, and launched transformative infrastructure projects. He remarked that prior to 2014, the Congress government was preoccupied with 'looting the people'.

According to him, taxes and inflation were at their highest during Congress's tenure. He illustrated this with examples: 'For a Rs 100 purchase, Congress made people pay Rs 131. In 2017, that same item cost Rs 118. Post-GST reforms, it now sits at Rs 105, translating to a Rs 26 saving.'

He cited relatable instances where, under Congress, a Rs 500 shoe had escalated to Rs 575 due to high taxation.

Modi stated, 'Now, after our (BJP government's) GST reforms, shoes priced under Rs 500 incur no tax, and those up to Rs 2,500 see significant tax reductions. Today, a Rs 500 shoe offers a saving of Rs 50.'

He also mentioned, 'Congress levied Rs 19,000 tax on a bike worth Rs 60,000. Post-GST, this has diminished to between Rs 2,000 and Rs 2,500. Now, only Rs 10,000 is charged. That's almost Rs 9,000 saved compared to Congress's rule.'

Modi made a compelling case for swadeshi products, linking them to the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. 'Whatever we purchase, let it be swadeshi. My definition is straightforward: regardless of the brand's origin, it must be made in India, carrying the labor of our workers and the essence of our land.'

He reiterated that every rupee spent on swadeshi fortifies local artisans, farmers, and laborers, thereby boosting India's economy rather than foreign economies.

'When you buy swadeshi, that money constructs schools, hospitals, highways, and homes for the underprivileged,' PM Modi stated.

Describing electricity as the backbone of modern advancement, he expressed, 'With electricity comes light. With electricity, distances vanish. With electricity, we connect to the world.'

He criticized Congress for neglecting rural electrification, saying, 'Even 70 years post-Independence, 25 million households lacked electricity. In villages, having electricity for four to five hours was a major achievement. People joked that power returning was news, not the outage.'

He pointed out that India is currently progressing with power projects worth Rs 90,000 crore, distributed across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, marking a watershed moment in energy security.

Recognizing Rajasthan's rich tribal heritage, PM Modi stated, 'The waters of the Mahi river symbolize the struggle and determination of our tribal brothers and sisters. I pay homage to Maa Tripura Sundari, Maa Mahi, Maharana Pratap, and the Bhils, who shaped this land of faith and courage.'

He further asserted that under the current BJP government, tribal empowerment has become a national priority: 'It was the BJP that appointed Droupadi Murmu, a daughter from a tribal family, as the President of India. We established a dedicated Ministry for Tribal welfare, which Congress never envisioned.'

At the Banswara event, PM Modi laid the foundation for the 2,800 MW Mahi Banswara Nuclear Power Project valued at Rs 42,000 crore.

Additionally, he inaugurated and laid the groundwork for numerous projects related to water, clean energy, health, and roads across the nation, amounting to a total investment of Rs 1,22,670 crore.

He flagged off two new Vande Bharat Express trains from Jodhpur and Bikaner to Delhi Cantt, while also distributing appointment letters to 15,000 youth recruited in various government departments in Rajasthan.

PM Modi concluded by stating, 'During Congress's rule, there was only looting. Under the current BJP government, there is only savings. That’s why India is celebrating the 'GST Savings Festival'.'

He reflected on how taxes and inflation soared before 2014, providing multiple examples of how GST has eased household expenses, such as a Rs 500 shoe that used to cost Rs 575 under Congress, now incurs Rs 50 less tax.

Modi remarked, 'Kitchen expenses for mothers and sisters have diminished, and India is celebrating the festival of GST savings.'