QuoteSaints, Seers and Mutts have played a strong role in the development of our nation. We are deeply inspired by them: PM
QuoteFor 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
QuoteThe Congress' neglect of the agriculture sector is very well known: PM Modi
QuotePeople of Karnataka need to know the tacit alliance between Congress and JD(S), says PM Modi
QuoteThe Congress Government in Karnataka is working only for 'Naamdaars' and not for ‘Kaamgaars’: PM
QuoteCongress has been telling lies and dividing society here in Karnataka. Every day they do a new drama: PM
QuoteCongress has set up a Mafia network across Karnataka. They excel in 'Vasooli': PM Modi
QuoteAfter the Karnataka results, Congress will become PPP Congress- Punjab, Puducherry and Parivar Congress: PM
QuoteCongress is misleading people in the name of Mahadayi waters, alleges PM Modi
QuoteAdhunik, Gatisheel, Pragatisheel and Vikassheel Karnataka is our aim, says Prime Minister Modi
QuotePM Modi: Spreading lies has become a business for the Congress
QuoteThere is no difference between the 'C' of Congress and 'C' of Corruption: PM Modi
QuoteFor Congress, only one family is everything. For me 125 crore Indians are my family: PM

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.”

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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.”

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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?”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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"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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The journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage: PM Modi
July 04, 2025
QuoteThe journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage: PM
QuoteI am sure you all welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years with great joy: PM
QuoteThe Indian diaspora is our pride: PM
QuoteAt the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, I announced several initiatives to honour and connect with the Girmitiya community across the world: PM
QuoteIndia's success in space is global in spirit: PM

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar Ji
Members of the Cabinet,
All the Dignitaries present today,
Members of the Indian diaspora,

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Namaskar !
Seeta Ram !
Jai Shri Ram !

Can you mark something… what a coincidence!

It is a matter of immense pride and joy for me to be with all of you this evening. I thank Prime Minister Kamla Ji for her wonderful hospitality and kind words.

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I arrived a short while ago in this beautiful land of Humming Birds.And, my very first engagement is with the Indian community here. It feels completely natural. After all, we are part of one family. I thank you for your warmth and affection.

Friends,

I know the story of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage. The circumstances your ancestors faced could have broken even the strongest of spirits. But they faced hardships with hope. They met problems with persistence.

They left the Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayan in their hearts. They left their soil, but not their soul. They were not just migrants. They were messengers of a timeless civilization. Their contributions have benefitted this country - culturally, economically and spiritually. Just look at the impact that you have all had on this beautiful nation.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar Ji - as the first woman Prime Minister of this country. Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo Ji - as the female President. Late Shri Basdeo Pandey, the son of a farmer, rose to become Prime Minister and a respected global leader. Eminent math scholar Rudranath Capildeo, Music Icon Sundar Popo, Cricketing talent Daren Ganga, and Sewdass Sadhu, whose devotion built the Temple in the Sea. The list of achievers goes on.

You, the children of Girmitiyas, are not defined by struggle anymore. You are defined by your success, your service, and your values. Honestly, there must be something magical in the "doubles” and "dal poori” — because you have doubled the success of this great nation!

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Friends,

When I last visited 25 years ago, we all admired the cover drives and pull shots of Lara. Today, it is Sunil Narine and Nicholas Pooran who ignite the same excitement in the hearts of our youth. Between then and now, our friendship has grown even stronger.

Benaras, Patna, Kolkata, Delhi may be cities in India. But they are also names of streets here. Navratra, Mahashivratri, Janmasthmi are celebrated here with joy, spirit and pride. Chowtal and Baithak Gana continue to thrive here.

I can see the warmth of many familiar faces. And I see curiosity in the bright eyes of a younger generation - keen to know and grow together. Truly, our bonds go well beyond geography and generations.

Friends,

I know of your deep faith in Prabhu Shri Ram.

एक सौ अस्सी साल बीतल हो, मन न भुलल हो, भजन राम के, हर दिल में गूंजल हो ।

The Ram-Leelas in Sangre Grande and Dow Village are said to be truly unique. Shri Ram Charit Manas says,

राम धामदा पुरी सुहावनि।
लोक समस्त बिदित अति पावनि।।

It means, the sacred city of Prabhu Shri Ram is so beautiful that its glory is spread across the world. I am sure you all welcomed the return of Ram Lalla to Ayodhya after 500 years with great joy.

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We remember, you had sent holy water and Shilas for building the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. I have also brought something here with a similar sense of devotion. It is my honour to bring a replica of Ram Mandir and some water from the river Sarayu in Ayodhya.

जन्मभूमि मम पुरी सुहावनि ।
उत्तर दिसि बह सरजू पावनि ।।
जा मज्जन ते बिनहिं प्रयासा ।
मम समीप नर पावहिं बासा ।।

Prabhu Shri Ram says that the glory of Ayodhya springs from the holy Sarayu. Whoever takes a dip in its water, finds eternal union with Shri Ram himself.

सरयू जी और पवित्र संगम का ये जल, आस्था का अमृत है। ये वो प्रवाहमान धारा है, जो हमारे मूल्यों को...हमारे संस्कारों को हमेशा जीवंत रखती है।

You all know that earlier this year, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, the Maha Kumbh took place. I have the honour to carry water from the Maha Kumbh also with me. I request Kamla ji to offer the holy waters of the Sarayu River and Maha Kumbh to the Ganga Dhara here. May these holy waters bless the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

Friends,

We deeply value the strength and support of our diaspora. With over 35 million people spread across the world, the Indian diaspora is our pride. As I have often said, each one of you is a Rashtradoot – an Ambassador of India’s values, culture and heritage.

This year, when we hosted the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Bhubaneshwar, Her Excellency President Christine Carla Kangaloo ji was our Chief Guest. A few years ago, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Ji had honoured us with her presence.

At the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, I announced several initiatives to honour and connect with the Girmitiya community across the world. We are mapping the past and bringing people closer for a bright future. We are actively working on creating a comprehensive database of the Girmitiya Community. Documenting the villages and cities in India from which their ancestors migrated, identifying the places where they have settled, studying and preserving the legacy of the Girmitiya ancestors, and working to organise World Girmitiya Conferences regularly. This will support the deep and historic ties with our brothers and sisters in Trinidad and Tobago as well.

Today, I am happy to announce that OCI cards will now be given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago. You are not just connected by blood or surname. You are connected by belonging. India looks out you, India welcomes you, and India embraces you.

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Friends,

प्रधानमंत्री कमला जी के पूर्वज बिहार के बक्सर में रहा करते थे। कमला जी वहां जाकर भी आई हैं.... लोग इन्हें बिहार की बेटी मानते हैं

People in India consider Prime Minister Kamla ji as the daughter of Bihar.

यहां उपस्थित अनेक लोगों के पूर्वज बिहार से ही आए थे। बिहार की विरासत... भारत के साथ ही दुनिया का भी गौरव है। लोकतंत्र हो, राजनीति हो, कूटनीति हो, हायर एजुकेशन हो...बिहार ने सदियों पहले दुनिया को ऐसे अनेक विषयों में नई दिशा दिखाई थी। मुझे विश्वास है, 21वीं सदी की दुनिया के लिए भी बिहार की धरती से, नई प्रेरणाएं, नए अवसर निकलेंगे।

Like Kamla ji, there are many people here whose roots lie in Bihar. The heritage of Bihar is a matter of pride for all of us.

Friends,

I am sure everyone among you feels proud when India grows. For New India, even the sky is not the limit. You all must have cheered when India’s Chandrayaan landed on the moon. The place where it landed, we have named it Shiv Shakti point.

You must have also heard the news recently. An Indian astronaut is on board the International Space Station even as we speak. We are now working on a manned space mission – Gaganyaan. The time is not far when an Indian will walk on the moon and India will have its own space station.

हम अब तारों को सिर्फ गिनते नहीं हैं...आदित्य मिशन के रूप में...उनके पास तक जाने का प्रयास करते हैं।हमारे लिए अब चंदा मामा दूर के नहीं हैं ।हम अपनी मेहनत से असंभव को भी संभव बना रहे हैं।

India’s achievements in space are not just ours. We are sharing its fruits with the rest of the world.

Friends,

India is the fastest growing major economy in the world. Soon, we will be among the top three economies of the world. The fruits of India’s growth and progress are reaching the most needy.

भारत ने दिखाया है कि गरीबों को सशक्त करके... Empower करके... गरीबी को हराया जा सकता है। पहली बार करोड़ों लोगों में विश्वास जागा है, कि भारत गरीबी से मुक्त हो सकता है।

The World Bank has noted that India has lifted over 250 million people above extreme poverty in the last decade. India’s growth is being powered by our innovative and energetic youth.

Today, India is the third largest startup hub in the world. Nearly half of these startups also have women as directors. Nearly 120 startups have got unicorn status. National missions for AI, Semiconductor and Quantum computing are becoming the new engines of growth. In a way, innovation is becoming a mass movement.

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized digital payments. Nearly 50% of the world's real-time digital transactions take place in India. I congratulate Trinidad & Tobago for being the first country in the region to adopt UPI. Now sending money will be as easy as sending a ‘good morning’ text message! And I promise, it will be faster than West Indies bowling.

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Friends,

Our Mission Manufacturing is working to make India a manufacturing hub. We have become the world’s second largest mobile manufacturer. We are exporting railway locomotives to the world.

Our defence exports have increased 20-fold in just the last decade. We are not just making in India. We are making for the world. As we grow, we are ensuring that it is of mutual benefit to the world.

Friends,

Today’s India is a land of opportunities. Whether it is business, tourism, education, or healthcare, India has a lot to offer.

Your ancestors took a long and difficult journey, over a 100 days across the seas, to reach here – Saat Samandar Par! Today, that same journey takes just a few hours. I encourage you all to visit India more, in person, not just virtually on social media!

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Visit the villages of your ancestors. Walk the soil they walked on. Bring your children, bring your neighbours. Bring anyone who enjoys chai and a good story. We will welcome you all – with open arms, warm hearts, and jalebi!

With these words, I thank you all once again for the love and affection you have shown to me.

I specially thank Prime Minister Kamla Ji for honouring me with your highest national award.

बहुत बहुत धन्यवाद.

Namaskar !
Sita Ram !
Jai Shri Ram !