New Delhi, Feb 3 (IANS): In a major effort to reach out to Delhi traders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated a considerable amount of his speech to list out the BJP-led NDA government's pro-trader initiatives, at a poll rally here on Monday.

"For the first time, IBC legislation was passed to give entrepreneurs the path to a respectable exit from business. For the first time, bank accounts of every farming family in the country received direct help. For the first time, farmers, labourers, and small traders got pension facility," said Modi at the rally in Karkardooma packed with people.

Striking a cordial note, Modi claimed the BJP has a very close relationship with the Delhi traders. "It has always been the BJP's endeavour to reduce the problems of traders and enable them to do their work freely," he said.

Traders and businessmen who have been traditionally BJP supporters are believed to be unhappy with the party ever since the dual blow of demonetisation and hasty GST implementation. But on Monday, Modi tried to heal their wounds, saying his government has taken steps to ensure traders get easy loans at a fast pace and there is no dearth in cash flow.

Elaborating his claim, Modi said, "Till now small scale industries with a turnover of up to Rs 1 crore had to be audited. Now that limit has been increased to Rs 5 crore." In an effort to win back their trust, Modi added, "This is an example of the government's trust in the entrepreneurs of the country, millions of traders and traders of Delhi."

He also spoke at length on how indirect tax settlement scheme was started by his government to address the concerns of the traders. He also stressed how a similar scheme is now planned for direct taxes as well.

Delhi will go to polls on February 8 when the BJP hopes to capture power in the capital after two decades. The results will be out on February 11.