New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi kick-started the BJP's election campaign in Uttar Pradesh with a rally in Agra on Wednesday.

Taking a jab at the Congress, the Prime Minister accused the party of corruption said, “This chowkidar (watchman) will never sleep and continue to catch thieves."

Highlights from PM Narendra Modi’s speech at Agra
 

"Should the 'chowkidar' go ahead courageously or not? He never sleeps. However dark it may be, he goes to catch thieves. It is your blessings which gives him the strength to do this and he (chowkidar) will continue undeterred in the fight against graft. He will make them accountable for every paise belonging to the country," Modi said.

"Those who believed that power was their 'dynastic right' are now in the docks facing various corruption charges, ranging from tax evasion to commissions in defence deals. Our government has stopped all this. They are panicky and trying to scare me," the PM said, attacking the Congress.

Speaking on the Quota Bill, Modi said, “We have tried to ensure that no community is bereft of the fruits of development.  Yesterday, Lok Sabha passed historic legislation. The new quota doesn't steal from Dalits, Adivasis, yet helps those who are economically weak and from the upper castes.”

On healthcare schemes, the PM said, “Within 100 days only, around 7 lakh poor people have been treated or are being treated in hospitals under Ayushman Bharat Yojana, which is also called 'Modi Care' by the people.”

PM Modi also raked up the Michel mama controversy and said, “They are breaking into a sweat as he holds their secrets. That's why Congress sent a lawyer in his aid."

Modi inaugurated the Gangajal Project that will improve the water supply in Agra. He also launched civic projects worth Rs 2,980 crore in Agra.