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Narendra Modi plays the development card in Erode [Coimbatore] [Times of India](Times of India Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) COIMBATORE: BJP's star campaigner and Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on Thursday assured of uplifting the status of the textile, handicrafts and turmeric cultivation sectors in Erode and nearby districts if given an opportunity to rule the country through the general elections. He also claimed that Erode has a tremendous potential and scope for development in these areas which have not been yet realised and encouraged by the central and state governments. Modi also pointed out that development of industrial sector with tremendous employment generation potential was not given any focus or priority in Tamil Nadu even at a juncture when unemployment is on the rise both in the state and national level. "Erode has the potential to become a textile haven. From handlooms to cotton spinning, ginning and dyeing all components of textile industry is present here. Coimbatore, Tirupur and Erode have much scope for development in this sector. The state and central government has not done anything for the development and promotion of handloom, weaving and carpet industries of Erode," Modi said. Modi pointed out that the cotton farmers of Gujarat have a strong bond with Coimbatore, Erode and Tirupur , the textile centres of Tamil Nadu as they bring value addition to the cotton that is extensively cultivated by the farmers of Gujarat. He also added that the BJP would set up a national level multi skill development mission and also take steps to ensure the development of skilled artisan involved in the manufacture of handicraft items. Modi also added that it was the responsibility of the governments to ensure the growth of the textile industries without any adverse impact on the environment. "I would like to ask Rahul Gandhi that wasn't it the responsibility of the government to ensure that there was Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) to ensure proper treatment of waste water from textile units," Modi added. The BJP leader also claimed that his government would go out to promote and market herbal medicines and ayurveda including its branding and marketing aspects. He also added that turmeric was an essential ingredient of herbal medicines, ayurvedic treatment and cosmetics. "The entire nation is grateful to Erode and its turmeric for being part of our medicines and daily diet," Modi said. Modi began his address at Thindal in Erode by invoking the memories of the Kongu Chieftain Dheeran Chennimalai and the relevance of Turmeric which is the staple agriculture product from the district in an attempt to strike a chord with the audience. He soon slipped into his usual format and called out to the people to utilise the opportunity to elect a decisive and strong Prime Minister with a voice of his own in the government. He also accused Jayanthi Natarajan of Congress for being responsible for stalling numerous vital projects including power plants by not granting clearance from the environment ministry during her term as the union environment minister. (c) 2014 Bennett, Coleman & Company Limited |