Lucknow, Oct 2026 : Dr Neeraj Bora is a BJP MLA from Lucknow North Assembly constituency and has been elected to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly for two consecutive terms. On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 25 years in public life, Bora shared his views on Modi’s leadership, India’s development and the changes witnessed in Lucknow. Excerpts:
Q: How do you view Prime Minister Modi’s 25 years in public life?
Dr Neeraj Bora: I view Modi ji’s 25 years in public life as a continuous journey of service, resolve and nation-building. He took charge as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 and since then, from Chief Minister to Prime Minister, he has continuously worked for the country and society.
One thing that has remained consistent throughout this journey is the effort to set ambitious goals and translate them into action on the ground. Whether it is improving the lives of the poor, expanding basic facilities, building Digital India or promoting an Atmanirbhar Bharat, his approach has focused on bringing ordinary citizens into the mainstream of development.
Twenty-five years is a long period in public life, and this milestone should be viewed in the context of his service and commitment to the nation.
Q: What do you consider Prime Minister Modi’s biggest contribution to India?
Dr Neeraj Bora: In my view, his biggest contribution has been strengthening the confidence of the country and encouraging the spirit of moving forward with ambitious goals. Today, we speak about Viksit Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Digital India and Make in India.
The impact of these initiatives is not limited to large industries. From Jan Dhan bank accounts and digital payments to housing for the poor, Ujjwala and Ayushman Bharat, several government schemes have directly affected the lives of ordinary families.
According to the Central government, facilities such as housing, electricity, clean drinking water, direct transfer of benefits into beneficiaries’ bank accounts and healthcare have expanded significantly during these years.
For me, the most important change is the belief that development becomes meaningful only when its benefits reach the last person in society.
Q: What benefits has Lucknow received in terms of development under Modi’s leadership?
Dr Neeraj Bora: Lucknow has progressed significantly in recent years and the city’s overall picture has changed considerably. Along with connectivity, metro services, roads, flyovers and expressways, Lucknow has also acquired a new identity as an important centre for defence production.
Under the guidance of Lucknow MP and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Central government approved the expansion of the Lucknow Metro in 2025. Work on 12 stations has already begun and, after completion, the city’s operational metro network will extend to 34 kilometres.
Another important development is Lucknow’s role in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor. The BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility has become operational here, and the first consignment manufactured at the facility was dispatched in 2025.
This is connecting Lucknow with new opportunities in defence production, technology, investment and employment. The city is therefore moving beyond its identity as merely the state capital and emerging as a centre of modern infrastructure and new industrial opportunities.
Q: Which initiative of the Modi government has brought the biggest change to people’s lives?
Dr Neeraj Bora: It is difficult to name a single scheme because different initiatives have been important for different sections of society. However, schemes such as Jan Dhan, Ujjwala, Swachh Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ayushman Bharat and Jal Jeevan Mission have directly influenced people’s everyday lives.
A permanent home for a poor family, relief from cooking smoke for a woman, access to healthcare without the same level of financial anxiety or tap water reaching a household in a village are changes whose impact is felt in family life beyond statistics.
The biggest strength of these initiatives is that development has not been confined to economic figures but has been linked to improving the quality of life of ordinary citizens.
Q: What message would you like to give Prime Minister Modi on completing 25 years in public life?
Dr Neeraj Bora: I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Modi ji on completing 25 years in public life. Carrying public responsibility continuously for 25 years is a long journey.
When we look back at this period, there have been many ups and downs and numerous challenges, but his resolve to work for the country has remained visible.
My best wishes are that in the coming years too, he continues to work with the same energy towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, welfare of the poor, opportunities for the youth, self-reliance and the country’s progress.
India is entering an important phase, and taking the country forward will require participation from society along with the government. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Prime Minister Modi on completing 25 years in public life.
Team Maverick
