Saints, Seers and Mutts have played a strong role in the development of our nation. We are deeply inspired by them: PM
For years, the Congress kept saying- Gareeb, Gareeb, Gareeb. However, nothing came out of this rhetoric. They failed to transform the lives of the poor of India: PM
The Congress' neglect of the agriculture sector is very well known: PM Modi
People of Karnataka need to know the tacit alliance between Congress and JD(S), says PM Modi
The Congress Government in Karnataka is working only for 'Naamdaars' and not for ‘Kaamgaars’: PM
Congress has been telling lies and dividing society here in Karnataka. Every day they do a new drama: PM
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Continuing his campaign trail across Karnataka, PM Narendra Modi today addressed public meetings at Tumakuru, Gadag and Shivamogga. The PM said that Tumakuru was the land to several greats and Saints, Seers and Mutts here played a strong role in the development of our nation.

Attacking the Congress, he said, “For years, the Congress kept saying Gareeb, Gareeb, Gareeb. However, nothing came out of this rhetoric. They failed to transform the lives of the poor of India. Now, the Congress has stopped saying 'Gareeb' because the people of India have elected a person belonging to a poor family as their Prime Minister.”

The PM alleged that the Congress was trying to offer false rhetoric and empty promises to the farmers. He remarked that the Congress' neglect of the agriculture sector was very well known. “Which Congress government, either in Delhi, when they were in power for so long or here in Karnataka ever thought about solving the water problem in Tumakuru? Sadly, they do not bother about the farmers”, he added.

He questioned the Congress for not ensuring water of Hemavati River to farmers in the region. Stating that the BJP was working on water conservation, micro-irrigation and linking the waterways, which was a dream of the beloved Atal Ji, he said, “Our Government at the Centre has worked on irrigation projects on which no work had happened for 30 years. Some of these key projects are also in Karnataka.”

Taking a jibe at the JD(S), Shri Modi remarked, “Our respected former PM Deve Gowda Ji said so much during the 2014 campaign about me, made several personal attacks. After the elections I said that he need not remember all that he said.”

Stating that there was an unspoken alliance between Congress and JD(S), Shri Modi opined that people of Karnataka needed to know the “tacit alliance between Congress and JD(S)”. He said that the Congress and JD(S) pretended to fight in parts of Karnataka but in Bengaluru the JD(S) supported a Congress mayor, who was sitting in office. The PM questioned, “What is the deal between these two parties?”

The PM opined that the Central Government had worked substantially to improve connectivity and ensure better roads for the people of Karnataka. “Resources have been allocated for Tumakuru's development under Smart Cities project. These resources are aimed at transforming Tumakuru but the state Government prefers to loot money rather than work for people's welfare.”

He also urged people of Karnataka to join the battle against corruption and black money. “There is no way we can tolerate corrupt practices”, he remarked.

Launching attack on the Congress from Gadag, PM Modi stated that Congress Government in Karnataka was working only for 'Naamdaars' and not for 'Kaamgaars'. He slated the Congress party for ruining the Khadi and handloom sector in Karnataka.

Shri Modi clearly stated that the Congress was not bothered about the depletion of natural resources in Karnataka adding that as long as the pockets of their leaders were full, Congress was happy. “Congress sees corruption opportunities in the forests of Karnataka. Corruption is the key to the existence of the Congress”, he remarked.

Addressing an election rally in Karnataka's Shivamogga, Shri Modi said that like the Britishers, Congress is trying to divide the nation. He further said that the BJP works on the principle of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas' and did everything possible to unite the nation.

He alleged the Congress for spreading lies, wherever they go, they spread lies among people. Shri Modi criticised Congress for looting the money belonging to the poor and the honest. “How is it that assets of their leaders keep on increasing,” he asks.

There is no difference between the 'C' of Congress and 'C' of Corruption. Even now they cry foul of demonetisation, he added furthermore.

The Prime Minister reached out to citizens of Karnataka, said when his Government at Centre formed, he ensured gas cylinders for the poor. Shri Modi said, “We want to make Karnataka a growth engine of the country.”

Confident of a BJP victory in Karnataka too, Prime Minister Modi ruled out a hung Assemblyin the state. "BJP will form government in Karnataka with full majority,” said the PM while addressing a public rally in Mangaluru.

Accusing the Congress party on raising questions at PM’s every step, he said that opposing Modi has become the only agenda of Congress. "After surgical strikes, they raised questions about the army. After poll defeats, they raised questions about the elections and Election Commission, remarked Shri Modi.

"Congress opposed the Swachchta Abhiyan, as if that is an issue which should be opposed. If I talk about building toilets, they make fun of me. If I talk about yoga, they have a problem with that too. They have decided not to go into the merit of any issue," the Prime Minister further said.

What did the Congress do to greats like Sardar Patel, Subhas Chandra Bose, Nijalingappa Ji is for all to see, wondered Shri Modi.

On the issue of development, Prime Minister remarked, “We gave Karnataka government funds to build houses in the state. But the work was not being done because Modi kept watching to prevent corruption.”

"We started the direct benefit transfer scheme, through DBT we stopped leakages, eliminated corruption. Rajiv Gandhi himself had said that the Re 1 which gets out of Delhi becomes 15 paise by the time it reaches the village. At that time, Congress was in power," he said.

Talking tough on child rapists, the PM mentioned that Surakshit Karnataka is his commitment and the centre has approved ordinance for death penalty for those convicted of raping children.

Click here to read PM's speech in Tumakuru

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Text of PM Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024
The Indian diaspora in Guyana has made an impact across many sectors and contributed to Guyana’s development: PM
You can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian: PM
Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply,Culture, cuisine and cricket: PM
India's journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability: PM
India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive: PM
I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots,They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values: PM

Your Excellency President Irfan Ali,
Prime Minister Mark Philips,
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo,
Former President Donald Ramotar,
Members of the Guyanese Cabinet,
Members of the Indo-Guyanese Community,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Namaskar!

Seetaram !

I am delighted to be with all of you today.First of all, I want to thank President Irfan Ali for joining us.I am deeply touched by the love and affection given to me since my arrival.I thank President Ali for opening the doors of his home to me.

I thank his family for their warmth and kindness. The spirit of hospitality is at the heart of our culture. I could feel that, over the last two days. With President Ali and his grandmother, we also planted a tree. It is part of our initiative, "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam", that is, "a tree for mother”. It was an emotional moment that I will always remember.

Friends,

I was deeply honoured to receive the ‘Order of Excellence’, the highest national award of Guyana. I thank the people of Guyana for this gesture. This is an honour of 1.4 billion Indians. It is the recognition of the 3 lakh strong Indo-Guyanese community and their contributions to the development of Guyana.

Friends,

I have great memories of visiting your wonderful country over two decades ago. At that time, I held no official position. I came to Guyana as a traveller, full of curiosity. Now, I have returned to this land of many rivers as the Prime Minister of India. A lot of things have changed between then and now. But the love and affection of my Guyanese brothers and sisters remains the same! My experience has reaffirmed - you can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian.

Friends,

Today, I visited the India Arrival Monument. It brings to life, the long and difficult journey of your ancestors nearly two centuries ago. They came from different parts of India. They brought with them different cultures, languages and traditions. Over time, they made this new land their home. Today, these languages, stories and traditions are part of the rich culture of Guyana.

I salute the spirit of the Indo-Guyanese community. You fought for freedom and democracy. You have worked to make Guyana one of the fastest growing economies. From humble beginnings you have risen to the top. Shri Cheddi Jagan used to say: "It matters not what a person is born, but who they choose to be.”He also lived these words. The son of a family of labourers, he went on to become a leader of global stature.

President Irfan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, former President Donald Ramotar, they are all Ambassadors of the Indo Guyanese community. Joseph Ruhomon, one of the earliest Indo-Guyanese intellectuals, Ramcharitar Lalla, one of the first Indo-Guyanese poets, Shana Yardan, the renowned woman poet, Many such Indo-Guyanese made an impact on academics and arts, music and medicine.

Friends,

Our commonalities provide a strong foundation to our friendship. Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply. Culture, cuisine and cricket! Just a couple of weeks ago, I am sure you all celebrated Diwali. And in a few months, when India celebrates Holi, Guyana will celebrate Phagwa.

This year, the Diwali was special as Ram Lalla returned to Ayodhya after 500 years. People in India remember that the holy water and shilas from Guyana were also sent to build the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Despite being oceans apart, your cultural connection with Mother India is strong.

I could feel this when I visited the Arya Samaj Monument and Saraswati Vidya Niketan School earlier today. Both India and Guyana are proud of our rich and diverse culture. We see diversity as something to be celebrated, not just accommodated. Our countries are showing how cultural diversity is our strength.

Friends,

Wherever people of India go, they take one important thing along with them. The food! The Indo-Guyanese community also has a unique food tradition which has both Indian and Guyanese elements. I am aware that Dhal Puri is popular here! The seven-curry meal that I had at President Ali’s home was delicious. It will remain a fond memory for me.

Friends,

The love for cricket also binds our nations strongly. It is not just a sport. It is a way of life, deeply embedded in our national identity. The Providence National Cricket Stadium in Guyana stands as a symbol of our friendship.

Kanhai, Kalicharan, Chanderpaul are all well-known names in India. Clive Lloyd and his team have been a favourite of many generations. Young players from this region also have a huge fan base in India. Some of these great cricketers are here with us today. Many of our cricket fans enjoyed the T-20 World Cup that you hosted this year.

Your cheers for the ‘Team in Blue’ at their match in Guyana could be heard even back home in India!

Friends,

This morning, I had the honour of addressing the Guyanese Parliament. Coming from the Mother of Democracy, I felt the spiritual connect with one of the most vibrant democracies in the Caribbean region. We have a shared history that binds us together. Common struggle against colonial rule, love for democratic values, And, respect for diversity.

We have a shared future that we want to create. Aspirations for growth and development, Commitment towards economy and ecology, And, belief in a just and inclusive world order.

Friends,

I know the people of Guyana are well-wishers of India. You would be closely watching the progress being made in India. India’s journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability.

In just 10 years, India has grown from the tenth largest economy to the fifth largest. And, soon, we will become the third-largest. Our youth have made us the third largest start-up ecosystem in the world. India is a global hub for e-commerce, AI, fintech, agriculture, technology and more.

We have reached Mars and the Moon. From highways to i-ways, airways to railways, we are building state of art infrastructure. We have a strong service sector. Now, we are also becoming stronger in manufacturing. India has become the second largest mobile manufacturer in the world.

Friends,

India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive. Our digital public infrastructure is empowering the poor. We opened over 500 million bank accounts for the people. We connected these bank accounts with digital identity and mobiles. Due to this, people receive assistance directly in their bank accounts. Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest free health insurance scheme. It is benefiting over 500 million people.

We have built over 30 million homes for those in need. In just one decade, we have lifted 250 million people out of poverty. Even among the poor, our initiatives have benefited women the most. Millions of women are becoming grassroots entrepreneurs, generating jobs and opportunities.

Friends,

While all this massive growth was happening, we also focused on sustainability. In just a decade, our solar energy capacity grew 30-fold ! Can you imagine ?We have moved towards green mobility, with 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol.

At the international level too, we have played a central role in many initiatives to combat climate change. The International Solar Alliance, The Global Biofuels Alliance, The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Many of these initiatives have a special focus on empowering the Global South.

We have also championed the International Big Cat Alliance. Guyana, with its majestic Jaguars, also stands to benefit from this.

Friends,

Last year, we had hosted President Irfaan Ali as the Chief Guest of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas. We also received Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in India. Together, we have worked to strengthen bilateral cooperation in many areas.

Today, we have agreed to widen the scope of our collaboration -from energy to enterprise,Ayurveda to agriculture, infrastructure to innovation, healthcare to human resources, anddata to development. Our partnership also holds significant value for the wider region. The second India-CARICOM summit held yesterday is testament to the same.

As members of the United Nations, we both believe in reformed multilateralism. As developing countries, we understand the power of the Global South. We seek strategic autonomy and support inclusive development. We prioritize sustainable development and climate justice. And, we continue to call for dialogue and diplomacy to address global crises.

Friends,

I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots. An Ambassador is a Rajdoot, but for me you are all Rashtradoots. They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values. It is said that no worldly pleasure can compare to the comfort of a mother’s lap.

You, the Indo-Guyanese community, are doubly blessed. You have Guyana as your motherland and Bharat Mata as your ancestral land. Today, when India is a land of opportunities, each one of you can play a bigger role in connecting our two countries.

Friends,

Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz has been launched. I call upon you to participate. Also encourage your friends from Guyana. It will be a good opportunity to understand India, its values, culture and diversity.

Friends,

Next year, from 13 January to 26 February, Maha Kumbh will be held at Prayagraj. I invite you to attend this gathering with families and friends. You can travel to Basti or Gonda, from where many of you came. You can also visit the Ram Temple at Ayodhya. There is another invite.

It is for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas that will be held in Bhubaneshwar in January. If you come, you can also take the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath in Puri. Now with so many events and invitations, I hope to see many of you in India soon. Once again, thank you all for the love and affection you have shown me.

Thank you.
Thank you very much.

And special thanks to my friend Ali. Thanks a lot.