Beware of people putting India’s democracy in the dock, Modi tells Kannadigas

Mangaluru: Strongly attacking the ‘people constantly putting India’s democracy in the dock,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned the people of Karnataka to stay alert from them.

He was speaking after laying the foundation stone and inaugurating various projects in Hubballi-Dharwad on Sunday.

Modi’s statement comes a few days after AICC former president Rahul Gandhi's remarks during his London tour.

Referring to the contribution of Lord Basaveshwara, Prime Minister Modi mentioned the establishment of ‘Anubhav Mantapa’ as the most important among his many contributions.

“This democratic system is studied all over the world. I had an opportunity to inaugurate the statue of Lord Basaveshwara in London. However, it is unfortunate that India's democracy was questioned in London itself,” Modi said.

“The roots of India's democracy are drawn from our centuries-old history. No power in the world can harm India's democratic traditions. Despite this, some people are constantly putting India's democracy in the dock. Such people are insulting Lord Basaveshwara, the people of Karnataka, and the country. People of Karnataka should stay alert from such people,” Modi warned.

In his address, Modi criticized the outdated notion that expanding quality educational institutions would weaken their reputation. 

“This way of thinking has caused significant harm to younger generations. But the new India is working to move beyond it,” he said. 

He stressed the importance of making good education accessible to everyone, everywhere, and increasing the number of quality institutions to achieve this goal. 

“Over the past nine years, India has seen a significant increase in the number of quality institutions, including a tripling of the number of AIIMS and the opening of 250 medical colleges, compared to just 380 in the seven decades following Independence. Additionally, many new IIMs and IITs have been established during this time,” he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted India's modernization efforts in its cities, including Hubballi-Dharwad's inclusion in the smart city project and the dedication of many new smart projects. 

He stated that through technology, infrastructure, and smart governance, the Hubballi-Dharwad region will achieve new heights in development in the 21st century.

Modi stated that the infrastructure is now being built based on the country's needs, unlike in the past, when political gain or loss determined the announcement of rail and road projects. 

“We have come up with the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan for the entire country. So that wherever there is a need in the country, infrastructure can be built at a fast pace”, he added. 

During his speech, the Prime Minister highlighted the significant transformation in India's position in the digital world. He noted that India was not a prominent player in the internet space in the past, but now it has emerged as one of the most powerful digital economies globally. 

"This progress was made possible due to the government's efforts to make affordable internet accessible even in rural areas. An average of 2.5 lakh broadband connections were being established every day over the past nine years," he said.

“Karnataka is the engine of hitech India,” the Prime Minister said as he stressed the need for a double-engine government to power this hitech engine of the state. 

“I am indebted to the overwhelming love and affection shown by the Kannadigas during my visit to the state. The government will work towards fulfilling the needs of the people by making their lives easier, creating many employment opportunities for the youth, and empowering the women of the region as a way of repayment. The double-engine government of Karnataka strives for the complete development of every district, village, and hamlet of the state with utmost honesty,” Modi said.

Prime Minister Modi dedicated and laid the foundation stone of key development projects in Hubballi-Dharwad, Karnataka. 

The projects include the inauguration of the IIT Dharwad campus, the longest railway platform in the world at 1507m in length at Shree Siddharoodha Swamiji Hubballi Station which has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records recently, the upgradation of Hospet Station and electrification of Hosapete – Hubballi – Tinaighat section. 

He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various projects of Hubballi-Dharwad smart city and laid the foundation stone of the Jayadeva Hospital and Research Centre, the Dharwad Multi-village Water Supply Scheme, and Tupparihalla Flood Damage Control project.