Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently concluded a hectic two-day visit across three states: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. His journey involved inauguration ceremonies and foundation stone laying for a multitude of development projects vital to Indian growth. Kicking off the tour, Modi visited the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, where he inaugurated three critical space infrastructure projects totaling ₹1,800 crore. The Prime Minister also took time to review India’s ambitious Gaganyaan Mission and conferred ‘astronaut wings’ upon four astronauts in training.
In Tamil Nadu, his presence was marked by the launch of initiatives aimed at supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the automotive sector. The following day in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi, Modi enacted the groundbreaking ceremony for the Outer Harbor Container Terminal at V.O. Chidambaranar Port and announced projects to make it India’s pioneering Green Hydrogen Hub Port. Rail and road infrastructure projects totaling nearly ₹6,063 crore were also dedicated or launched, set to boost connectivity and commercial activity in the region. The latter stages of Modi’s visit took him to Maharashtra, where he inaugurated development initiatives worth over ₹4900 crore. Emphasizing agrarian welfare, he released payments under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) and the ‘Namo Shetkari MahaSanman Nidhi’, injecting around ₹3800 crore directly to the state’s farmers. Furthermore, Modi announced infrastructure upgrades including irrigation projects, rail lines, and road improvements in Maharashtra. He also initiated a housing scheme aimed at constructing 10 lakh homes for the OBC category and unveiled a statue to honor Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay.
Amidst this flurry of governmental progress, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy delved into political strongholds by marking his presence in Kuppam, a constituency significantly associated with the opposition TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu. During his foray, Reddy officially activated the flow of Krishna river water through the newly constructed Kuppam Branch Canal, implicating Naidu’s inaction during his tenure. Reddy accused his predecessor of failing to develop Kuppam appropriately, referencing the neglect during the TDP’s ruling period. The Chief Minister underscored his administration’s commitment to the region and cautioned the public against falling prey to what he portrayed as Naidu’s empty promises.