ethnic conflict in Manipur have little effect on BJPElectoral luck in the field, Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal says times of India‘S Manash Pratim Gohain , Dipak Dash, He said that the people of the Northeast have faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and have faith in the BJP. Very good performance in the field in 2024 Loksabha Elections. Excerpts from the interview:
How do you view the recent unrest in Manipur?
Whatever happened is unfortunate, but barring a few isolated incidents, the situation is returning to normal. The Center wants peace to be restored as soon as possible, for which Home Minister Amit Shah is making all possible efforts. The Home Minister has also constituted a committee of citizens, due to which the situation is improving. Schools have started, farmers have returned to the fields and small business establishments have also resumed their activities
How will the Manipur violence affect the region?
Due to the dedication of PM Modi in the last nine years, development is visible in the North-East. He has not only visited the region more than 50 times, but also directed all ministries and senior officials to implement their schemes in time without compromising on quality. Modi ji is a true friend for the region and every person in the region trusts him. Efforts made for restoration and maintenance of peace and law and order through accords with Bodos, Karbis and Dimasas, withdrawal of AFSPA from Arunachal, Nagaland and Assam is a clear indication that peace is possible in the region. Everyone accepts the efforts of the PM.
Do you? Think there is any outside influence in Manipur and how it can prove politically beneficial for BJP in 2024 general elections?
People of North-East believe that if Modi ji is there then they are safe and no power in the world can disturb them. It is this trust that our Prime Minister has earned through his exemplary contribution in the field. He has won the hearts of the people of the area. North-East wants to play a significant role in the development of the country. Assam wants to be counted at the top of the list of developed states. BJP got nine seats in Assam, but in 2024 it will be 12 plus. The party will get around 25 seats in the entire region.
PM Modi asked your ministry to focus on increasing the number of seafarers, citing the Philippines’ large numbers despite its size?
We have made significant progress. In 2014 we had only 1.17 lakh seafarers. After we assumed office, several new initiatives like training and giving scholarships to the youth were taken. Now this number has reached 2.5 lakh. The number of women seafarers was only 255 in 2014 and is now 3,000. This shows how the implementation of the schemes has yielded results. At present, we have a share of 12% in global seafarers and we aim to take it to 20%. It will take us about 10 years.
What was the outcome of the recent meeting on speeding up National Waterway-5 on Mahanadi in Odisha for faster evacuation of coal?
Coal is being transported from Odisha to Chennai through coastal shipping. PM had targeted to reduce the logistics cost from 14% to 8% during the launch National Logistics Policy. One ship can carry coal equal to the amount transported by 50 trains.
there isA Big focus on development of waterways including Assam.
Congress never gave importance to inland waterways. If he had paid attention to the strength, resources and opportunities, had made policies, the pace of development would have been even faster. The Congress-led governments notified only five National Waterways (NWs). But after assuming power, the BJP government notified 111 NW.
How has the Bangladesh Protocol route contributed to our inland waterways sector?
Since the Bangladesh Protocol route became operational, we have moved 180 tonnes of food grains from Patna to Pandu covering a distance of 2,350 km. We sent 1,800 tonnes of steel from Haldia to Pandu and the ship returned with coal. We also flagged off MV Ganga Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise, on 13 January.
How do you view the recent unrest in Manipur?
Whatever happened is unfortunate, but barring a few isolated incidents, the situation is returning to normal. The Center wants peace to be restored as soon as possible, for which Home Minister Amit Shah is making all possible efforts. The Home Minister has also constituted a committee of citizens, due to which the situation is improving. Schools have started, farmers have returned to the fields and small business establishments have also resumed their activities
How will the Manipur violence affect the region?
Due to the dedication of PM Modi in the last nine years, development is visible in the North-East. He has not only visited the region more than 50 times, but also directed all ministries and senior officials to implement their schemes in time without compromising on quality. Modi ji is a true friend for the region and every person in the region trusts him. Efforts made for restoration and maintenance of peace and law and order through accords with Bodos, Karbis and Dimasas, withdrawal of AFSPA from Arunachal, Nagaland and Assam is a clear indication that peace is possible in the region. Everyone accepts the efforts of the PM.
Do you? Think there is any outside influence in Manipur and how it can prove politically beneficial for BJP in 2024 general elections?
People of North-East believe that if Modi ji is there then they are safe and no power in the world can disturb them. It is this trust that our Prime Minister has earned through his exemplary contribution in the field. He has won the hearts of the people of the area. North-East wants to play a significant role in the development of the country. Assam wants to be counted at the top of the list of developed states. BJP got nine seats in Assam, but in 2024 it will be 12 plus. The party will get around 25 seats in the entire region.
PM Modi asked your ministry to focus on increasing the number of seafarers, citing the Philippines’ large numbers despite its size?
We have made significant progress. In 2014 we had only 1.17 lakh seafarers. After we assumed office, several new initiatives like training and giving scholarships to the youth were taken. Now this number has reached 2.5 lakh. The number of women seafarers was only 255 in 2014 and is now 3,000. This shows how the implementation of the schemes has yielded results. At present, we have a share of 12% in global seafarers and we aim to take it to 20%. It will take us about 10 years.
What was the outcome of the recent meeting on speeding up National Waterway-5 on Mahanadi in Odisha for faster evacuation of coal?
Coal is being transported from Odisha to Chennai through coastal shipping. PM had targeted to reduce the logistics cost from 14% to 8% during the launch National Logistics Policy. One ship can carry coal equal to the amount transported by 50 trains.
there isA Big focus on development of waterways including Assam.
Congress never gave importance to inland waterways. If he had paid attention to the strength, resources and opportunities, had made policies, the pace of development would have been even faster. The Congress-led governments notified only five National Waterways (NWs). But after assuming power, the BJP government notified 111 NW.
How has the Bangladesh Protocol route contributed to our inland waterways sector?
Since the Bangladesh Protocol route became operational, we have moved 180 tonnes of food grains from Patna to Pandu covering a distance of 2,350 km. We sent 1,800 tonnes of steel from Haldia to Pandu and the ship returned with coal. We also flagged off MV Ganga Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise, on 13 January.