BELAGAVI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday assured the people of Belagavi that the double engine government at the State and Centre would take the region to new heights of development by implementing various farmer and citizen-oriented development schemes.
He was addressing a huge public meeting at Malini grounds here, after he arrived in Belagavi to launch several projects.
“Though we are implementing the startups these days, the first startup was launched in Belagavi about a 100 years ago by industrialist Baburao,” said Modi.
“I thank the people of Belagavi for the love, affection and faith they have shown in me and Chief Minister Bommai. I assure you that your love and blessing will be returned with interest by developing the city,” said PM Modi.
In his 30-minute speech, PM Modi strongly criticized the Congress party for doing injustice to Karnataka and also highlighted about the enhanced railway budget for Karnataka and funds allotted to various sectors.
During the programme, the Prime Minister dedicated the redeveloped Belagavi Railway Station and doubling of the 109-km railway track between Londa and Ghataprabha to the nation.
He launched the Jal Jeevan Mission projects worth Rs 2,240 crore for Belagavi region, while the 13th installment of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi of over Rs 16,000 crore was sent to the accounts of about 80 lakh farmers at the press of a button.
Modi accused the Congress of disrespecting Karnataka and its leaders, while alleging that Kharge was insulted by the party during its plenary session in Chhattisgarh.
He said Kharge was insulted and disrespected by the party, in favour of a “family”, apparently referring to the Nehru-Gandhi family, despite the Congress president''s seniority and age.
“I want to remind you how Congress hates Karnataka. Insulting Karnataka's leaders is part of Congress'' old culture. From whomever Congress'' family feels troubled, disrespecting them begins in that party. History stands witness to the insult meted out to the leaders such as S Nijalingappa and Veerendra Patil (former Karnataka CMs), before the family. Everyone in Karnataka knows about it,” Modi said.
Now once again, one more leader from Karnataka has been insulted by loyalists of the family, he claimed.
“I have great respect for Mallikarjun Kharge, a son of this land, who has about 50 years of parliamentary or legislature experience. He has tried to do whatever he could in the service of people. But I was sad looking at how Kharge, who is the President of the party and a senior in age, was treated during the Congress'' session in Chhattisgarh,” Modi said.
Karnataka CM Basavraj Bommai, Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Narendrasingh Tomar, his deputy Shobha Karandlache, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi and local MPs, MLAs were present at the public meeting.
