Shillong: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday used soccer as a metaphor for development in the northeast, saying that his present government has red-carded several obstacles that came in the way of development in the region, just like what is done in football for violating sportsman spirit.
“It’s a coincidence that today (Sunday) there is World Cup final and also we are in a football field amidst football lovers. We are speaking about development in a football field. Since there is football fever all around then why not speak in the language of football,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister was addressing a public gathering at Polo grounds here after inaugurating and laid foundation of several projects in Meghalaya worth over Rs.2,450 crore.
“In football, if anyone goes against sportsmanship spirit they are shown the red card and sent off the field. Likewise, we have since 2014 red-carded all hurdles in the way of the development of the northeast,” Modi said.
He said the red cards were shown against “corruption, divisiveness, dynastic politics, violence, delays in projects implementation and vote bank politics.”
Stating that the roots of these problems affecting development are “very deep” he urged everyone to fight against these problems and give momentum to development.
Modi said the centre is moving ahead with new initiatives and this has benefited the northeast and the youths.
“We have the first sports university in the northeast. Many football fields, athletic tracks and other infrastructure are being built. There are some 90 sports facilities in various stages of completion across the region,” he informed.
India’s first sports university has been set up in Manipur.
Voicing hope that India would in the near future host mega events like in Qatar, the Prime Minister said, “while everyone is focused on the finals in Qatar and the foreign teams, I have full faith in youth power and can say with conviction that day is not far when we will also celebrate such festivals in India and cheer for the tri-colour.” UNI
