Corruption is a major issue in Tamil Nadu but the larger concern is that the State is sliding in overall developmental index, according to the Union Minister for Communication and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad.

There are many areas of concern including employment generation, investment, infrastructure development and national highway. “However, we need to see development in a larger context,” he told newspersons after releasing the BJP’s election campaign propaganda CD ahead of the Assembly elections slated for May 16.

For instance, the Central government is rolling out the Optical Fibre Cable network across the country linking 2.50 lakh Gram Panchayats. However, in Tamil Nadu it has to be expedited. “We have been encouraging and talking a lot,” he said.

Similarly, electronic manufacturing is happening in a big way in India. Last year, 11 crore mobile phones were manufactured by all top firms in India. Tamil Nadu also has a big scope, he said.

Corruption

Prasad criticised both the DMK and AIADMK on corruption and urged voters to give the BJP a chance in the forthcoming Assembly elections. “Whenever I come to Tamil Nadu, I see a coalition of those who shelter and protect the corrupt with the DMK and Congress having an alliance. They are together right from the 2G scam,” he said.

On the AIADMK government, “I need not say anything about corruption. It is well known and talked about,” he said. Today, in this election, people need to walk with BJP and with Narendra Modi for the real turnaround of Tamil Nadu,” he said.

On the Augusta helicopter issue, Prasad said that Modi government is committed for a fair investigation.

“The Congress, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi must reply, but they are keeping a complete silence,” he said.

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