The PM, who was in Shivamogga to open the modern airport there and kickstart other rail and road projects, was generous in his praise of the former chief minister, who, Modi said, dedicated his entire life for “the welfare of farmers and the poor.” His recent speech in the Karnataka Assembly, Modi said, was an inspiration to everyone in public life.
Wishing Yediyurappa on his 80th birthday, the PM said the man demonstrated through his life, how to remain humble even while achieving great heights of success in public life. The two political personalities bowed to each other on stage in a show of mutual respect and warmth.
Later, speaking at a public event in Belagavi, the PM recalled the campaign run by the Yediyurappa government to promote Shri Anna (millet) and said that “we now have to present it to the world.”
Yediyurappa, also the tallest political figure from the Lingayat community, has always represented Shivamogga district in the assembly and the Lok Sabha. He has announced his retirement from electoral politics.
The former CM has turned down moves by the government to name the new airport after him as a mark of respect to his contribution to the region. He instead suggested that the airport be named after the poet laureate Kuvempu, who hailed from the district. Modi began his speech paying his respects to the Jnanapeeth awardee.
The BJP appointed Yediyurappa to its Parliamentary Board, its highest decision-making body, as well as to its central election committee in August last year. Karnataka, the only southern state where the BJP is in power, is due for assembly polls by May, and the BJP is working hard to turn the popularity of Modi-Yeddyurappa into votes to retain power.KARNATAKA ON THE MOVE
Karnataka’s development was on the move powered by the “double-engine” governments, the PM said, referring to the BJP regime both at the Centre and in the state. This path of progress was paved by strides in roadways, airways, and i-ways (digital connectivity).
“The people of Karnataka know very well that this is the Amrit Kaal of India, the time to make a developed India,” the PM said, insisting that this was the first time in the history of India’s independence that the country’s voice was being heard on the global stage. Investors from all over the world wanted to invest in India and it would benefit Karnataka and its youth here, he added.
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