India has emerged as the world's fifth-largest economy in 12 years; Himachal has received unprecedented development projects worth thousands of crores, says Anurag Thakur
Shimla, June 29: Former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Anurag Singh Thakur on Monday visited the world-renowned Jakhoo Temple in Shimla, where he offered prayers to Lord Hanuman. He also participated in a plantation drive under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign, reiterating the importance of environmental conservation.
Speaking on the occasion, Thakur said that no visit to Shimla is complete without seeking the blessings of Lord Hanuman at Jakhoo Temple. He described the temple as not only a centre of faith but also a symbol of patriotism, service, and positive energy.
"I prayed for the good health and long life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and for the successful realization of the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) under his leadership. With the blessings of Lord Hanuman, the nation's resolve for a developed India will become even stronger," he said.
Highlighting the achievements of the Central Government, Thakur said the past 12 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been marked by dedicated public service, good governance, poverty alleviation, and nation-building.
He noted that India, which ranked as the world's 10th-largest economy in 2014, has now become the fifth-largest economy and remains one of the fastest-growing major economies globally. According to him, more than 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty during the past decade, while millions of families have benefited from welfare schemes providing permanent housing, LPG connections, toilets, bank accounts, tap water, and free healthcare.
Thakur further said that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, India successfully tackled the COVID-19 pandemic through the world's largest vaccination campaign, accelerated self-reliance in defence manufacturing, enhanced transparency through Digital India initiatives, elevated the country's global stature by successfully hosting the G20 Summit, and consistently upheld the policy of "India First" on international platforms.
Referring to Himachal Pradesh, Thakur stated that the state has witnessed unprecedented development with projects such as AIIMS Bilaspur, new medical colleges, expansion of national highways, strengthened rail and road connectivity, the Jal Jeevan Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, and several other welfare initiatives benefiting lakhs of people.
He added that under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana alone, 294 rural road projects worth ₹2,247 crore have been approved for Himachal Pradesh during 2025–26, including a Central share of nearly ₹2,019 crore.
Thakur also said that the Centre has continued to extend financial assistance to Himachal Pradesh for disaster reconstruction, capital investment, and infrastructure development, besides providing the state's share through the Finance Commission and other central assistance.
Responding to a question on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Thakur said that implementing a Uniform Civil Code remains a clear commitment of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He noted that the process has already begun in Uttarakhand and expressed confidence that it would be implemented in other states in a phased manner.
On Pakistan, Thakur remarked that the neighbouring country has failed in almost every sector except promoting terrorism. He alleged that Pakistan has a long-standing habit of blaming India for its own internal failures and mismanagement. "While India continues to move forward on the path of development and global leadership, Pakistan is increasingly becoming isolated because of its flawed policies," he said.