Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Apr 24: Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Monday April 23 evening said that India has seen a major transformation in the last four under BJP-led government at the centre, and that no there government had done so much in such a short span of time for the country's development.
He was addressing an 'Interaction with Intellectuals' meet at Country Inn Club here. The meet saw participation from charted accountants, members of Chamber of Commerce and others.
"I share a close bond with Karnataka. In 2006, when I was the national president of BJP, we formed a coalition government in Karnataka after I gave my consent, but unfortunately it did not last. In 2008, the Yeddyurappa-led government came to power with a clear majority. Since then, I have been involved in Karnataka politics.
"In 2014 Lok Sabha elections, BJP again came to power with a clear mandate for the first time in history. People should assess this fact. People have lots of expectations from our government and will work harder to fulfil them if given another term," he said.
"In the last four years the country has seen a major transformation, that no other country has ever achieved. India has become the fastest growing country in the world, and even economic experts say this. India is among the top ten nations in the world, and if we continue to grow in the same manner, we will soon be among the top five nations. By 2020, India will become an economic superpower. Even economists have accept this fact.
"There has been an increase in investments under the BJP government and the country has seen major development. BJP has taught everyone a lesson that politics is not just about forming a government but building a nation," he said.
"Under the 13th Finance Commission (when UPA government was in power), Karnataka was allocated only Rs 38,000 crore, but now under the 14th Finance Commission, Karnataka has been given funds to the tune of Rs 2.9 lac crore. This is the reality. The centre has released the funds without seeing which government is in power in the state. We have never discriminated in releasing funds. For the country to develop, every state should also develop. The Prime Minister is hence giving importance to each and every little thing, like building toilets. No other Prime Minister has given so much importance to minor issues.
"Our party workers have even undertaken socio-political work espcially in slum areas where people have more chances of being exposed to diseases. Our aim is not just politics but working for society. I cannot say we are cent percent good, but compared to other political parties, we have been able to run a much better government.
"When it comes to corruption during the four years of Modi government and six years Atal Bihari Vajpayee as Prime Minister, not a single minister was charged of corruption. No foreign country spoke of corruption in our government," Rajnath said.
He also said that apart from the mega health insurance plan for poor families, plans are afoot to provide Rs 5 lac medical cover for the poor who need heart surgery.
"Our government believes in the concept of integrated development of India, where development is moving in all directions," he added.
"Projected initiated by the centre such as Make in India have boosted investment. Our government has introduced major policies with farsighted vision. Demonetisation caused some trouble to people, but it had to be endured for a better future of our country," he said.
He also said that no one should damage the sanctity of the Constitution. "Attempts are being made to damage the sanctity of the Constitution. I hope good sense prevails over such persons. Governments come and go, but everyone has the duty to protect the Constitution."
He urged the gathering to vote for BJP minsterial candidate Yeddyurappa in the upcoming elections. "Political violence is on the rise in Karnataka. The state government is following Kerala model of development. As many as 3,700 farmer suicides have been reported in the state in five years. The state government has said it would pay compensation of Rs 1 lac for each of the bereaved families, but this will only increase suicide cases as the money would act as an incentive to end life."
A question-and-answer session followed. MP Shobha Karandlaje, former MLA Raghupati Bhat and others were present.
Rajnath Singh also visited Sri Krishna temple and met Sri Vidhyadheeshateertha Swamiji of Paryaya Palimar Math and sought his blessings.