PM's comments on developmental projects improper: Cong

Criticising the comments by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that if he lays the foundation stone of a project, he makes sure that he inaugurates it as well, the Congress today said that in a democracy development is a continuing process wherein projects started by one Government are dedicated to the nation by the successive regimes. Talking to reporters here, AICC spokesperson Rajeev Shukla said, ''the comments by PM Modi are not fair. In a democracy, when one government goes out of power, another gets elected.

Many of the projects that the previous government has started take time to complete. So, the new Government which has come to power dedicates it to the Nation. This is a continuing process.'' He said that while the United Progressive Alliance government had, during its tenure, laid the foundation stone of several projects like the Jammu Katra Rail Link, the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, Kochi Metro and the longest bridge on the Brahmaputra River, work on these projects was not completed during the tenure of the UPA government. By the time the work of these projects was completed, Modi government had come to power at the Centre and it was natural that the new Government would inaugurate them. ''This is what happens in a democracy.

So, the claim by Mr Modi that he also inaugurates the schemes for which he lays the foundation stone is wrong. This is not possible,'' he said. In this context, he said that there are several schemes like UPA's MNREGA and Aadhaar which the new government is carrying forward. Addressing a gathering at Varanasi yesterday, PM Modi said that he if he lays the foundation stone of a project, he makes sure that he inaugurates it at well. Mr Modi launched 17 projects worth Rs 492.42 crore in Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency, and laid the foundation of six more projects worth Rs 451.67 crore.